OPINION: Many out of work also labor

John W. Coverdale is on the adjunct faculty of Stony Brook University's College of Business.

Since Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882, its purpose has been to recognize the American worker. In fact, according to the United States Department of Labor's website, the day is "a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our country."

Most Americans now see Labor Day more as the symbolic end of summer. But our tattered economy, and its impact on employment, demands something more this year. Each passing month seems to bring the number of people joining the ranks of the unemployed to new levels. The statistics are startling, and from all indications, they will likely get worse.

So we should spend at least some time today considering the plight of the American worker in the new economy. And we must also remember those people seeking work, in what some are calling the most difficult job market since the Great Depression.

There are now nearly 15 million unemployed Americans, and as of July, almost 110,000 of them live here on Long Island. Nationally, an additional 8.5 million people report being underemployed, meaning they've had their hours reduced involuntarily or are working in low-wage jobs, despite their higher skill set and education.

Some of these people will never regain their previous level of employment. This is particularly a problem here on Long Island, where many of the new jobs in the private sector are in lower-paying segments of the economy.

The downturn has affected everyone. Many of us know someone who is unemployed or underemployed. In some instances these are family members, close friends, former colleagues - or ourselves. The ripple effect of high unemployment and underemployment goes well beyond statistics. Businesses suffer as spending decreases. Crime goes up, home foreclosures increase, health insurance is often lost, and families suffer as stress and questions of self-worth envelop the psyche.

So this Labor Day should have a broader meaning for all of us. Sure, it was originally dubbed the "working man's holiday." But expanding that tribute to recognize that for a great many people, "work" is now seeking or regaining employment, is the very least we can do.