More than 100 years after the first Labor Day celebration, a day to celebrate the American worker, the unions that represent many American workers are reviled.
Too strong a word? Not really. Many Americans now blame organized labor for rising government budgets, and taxes, for the out-sourcing of jobs to other countries.
Opponents say unions today have grown too powerful, are hampering progress in areas including public education.
Proponents say labor unions ensure that workers are not taken advantage of by employers, in areas including salary, benefits and workplace safety.
A common slogan among organized labor proponents goes something like this: Thank a union if you enjoy your two-day weekend, and a 40-hour work week.
As we start out on the long, Labor Day weekend, what are your thoughts on unions? Do they belong to the past, or are they as relevant today as ever?