The history of Labor Day, a day set aside to remember organized workers, is pretty much lost to us in 2010, unless you are a raving socialist or come from a family with a union background. Since most of my family and ancestors going way back were farmers and ranchers, I admit I don’t have much appreciation for the labor unions beyond what my high school teacher, Mr. Bernstein, taught me about organizer Samuel Gompers (who I believe would be a Republican today, all things considered).

When I was young and liberal, I used to think unions were necessary. As I matured, I felt their time was past. The air traffic controllers’ strike and various strikes at Lockheed seemed overly dramatic in the modern day. The nation’s auto industry, with its ever more greedy union bosses and collusion with the Democrat Party, has hindered productiveness and progress for the industry. When members are more fearful of their union bosses than of their managers, something is not right.

But this Labor Day, I’ll be thinking about the Cobb County school bus drivers who have a sort of union, although it’s one that has not been effective for a number of reasons.

In over a year of talking to transportation department employees, it’s apparent to me that conditions are screaming out for an effective union, one that can help ensure laws and policies are followed and workers get a fair shake.

In a nutshell, CCSD transportation has caused me to do a re-think on labor unions.

In fact, if CCSD managers don’t change the way they’ve been treating their employees the last few years, citizens can be sure to see a rise in union membership among both transportation workers and teachers, even the most independent-minded ones. A union may be the only thing that can give them some peace of mind, while working under managers who have no qualms about prop-ping themselves up at the expense of their staff.

Here’s hoping your upcoming Labor Day weekend is relaxing.