Editor:

While The Brentwood Press often covers the many contributions made by our community’s working men and women, I hope that (on) Labor Day, we can highlight the efforts of a particular group that sometimes goes unnoticed – the construction industry’s craft professionals.

Construction is one of our nation’s largest industries. The evidence of its size and scope is all around us – our industry’s professionals build the schools, hospitals, offices, churches, restaurants, highways, sports arenas and other venues that make our communities unique.

We celebrate Labor Day as the symbolic end of summer. But for some, Labor Day is often associated with labor unions. However, it is a day to honor all workers, regardless of labor affiliation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 14.5 percent of the nation’s construction workers currently choose to join a labor union, while 85.5 percent work in an open-shop, free-enterprise environment, and these craft professionals provide quality, affordable work every day to the American people.

So on this Labor Day, let’s remember to thank all construction craft professionals, regardless of labor affiliation, whose hard work building America each day improves all our lives.

Sid Slatter, Chairman Associated Builders and Contractors Golden Gate Chapter, Livermore