In Recognition of New Jersey's Workers
Posted September 4, 2009

According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey's civilian labor force — defined as those either employed or seeking employment — numbers over 4.56 million individuals (as of July 2009). These men and women, working in industries ranging from farming to pharmaceuticals, from construction to communication, from finance to education, form the backbone of our state's economy. And as we celebrate Labor Day, we at the NJFPC would like to take a moment to recognize New Jersey's workers and the catalytic role they play in keeping our state running.

Just who is the average New Jersey worker? According to information released in June of last year by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and looking at estimated and projected employment by major occupational group from 2006 to 2016:

• 914,100 of you, or 20.8 percent, work in professional and related occupations (2006 numbers);

• 832,600, or 19.0 percent, work in service industries;

• 798,200, or 18.2 percent, work in office and administrative support positions;

• 472,500, or 10.8 percent, work in sales and related vocations;

• 465,500, or 10.6 percent, work in management, business, or finance;

• 331,600, or 7.6 percent, work in transportation and material moving;

• 232,600, or 5.3 percent, work in production;

• 174,800, or 4.0 percent, work in construction and extraction;

• 161,300, or 3.7 percent, work in installation, maintenance, and repair, and

• 4,700, or 0.1 percent, work in farming, fishing, and forestry.

Every day, these men and women get up and faithfully go through their routines — some working "traditional" hours, many non-traditional, and many a combination of both. Some receive recognition for jobs well done; many do not. Some work in fields and occupations considered "good"; many work in areas underappreciated yet vital to the life of our economy.

But the truth of the matter is there is no dishonor in honest work, regardless of how glamorous or unglamorous it may seem. Proverbs 14:23 says, "In all labor there is profit….", and true career success is not measured by occupational status but by doing what one is called to do and doing it to the best of his or her ability.

Every year, the United States sets aside one day to honor the American worker — one day which, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, "constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

Indeed, without the American worker, countless innovations, advancements, inventions, philanthropic endeavors, and more would be non-existent.

So this year, we tip our hat to New Jersey's own workers. We thank you for your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. To the many of you who will spend Labor Day working due to the nature of your professions — medicine, law-enforcement, emergency services, hospitality, etc. — we appreciate your sacrifice. And to those of you blessed with a vacation day, we wish you a happy, relaxing, and well-deserved Labor Day holiday.

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