Worker Wellness Blog Sept 7, 2026
Hello again! Today's WW Blog post honors the importance of traditions.
My last blog was launched at the beginning of this past summer. Here we are, about to embark on a new school year and season. It is the time of year that presents us with 3 ongoing traditions. The first represents a national holiday honoring our workers for over a century: Labor Day. Having taught Labor-Management Relations at a local university for several decades, I relished the opportunity to share with my graduate (business school) students how the sacrifices of workers laid the groundwork for many of the perks they now receive as part of their wage and benefit packages. Sadly, too often, it takes tragedy to move masses towards substantial reform. To this end, I tip my hat to FDR for his administration’s work in 1935 and beyond!
This brings us to the 2nd tradition at this time of year: Football. Most of us live in communities that support local high school football teams. In fact, years ago, I had 2 sons who played football and soccer in the same season during their HS years. Recently, the NYT published 3 articles that ALL coaches, administrators, parents, and players should read.1, 2, 3
The first article linked below calls into question why OSHA has not stepped in to regulate the safety of NFL players—who are paid for their services—in other words, are workers…left unprotected by federal labor laws. In brief, recent science revealed that 1 in 4 ex-NFLers over the age of 50 have been diagnosed with an array of neurodegenerative diseases. Note: Many of these players began their football journey at age 5-7.
My dear friend, James Pursell, often reminds me:
“When we know better—We must do better!”
This brings us to the 3rd tradition: September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month across the globe. Please take some time to review the upcoming FREE related webinars offered below. Finally, I wish to thank Frank Jacobs and IBEW Local 1 for uplighting their Hall (in purple) during September in acknowledgement of our industry’s crisis.
Enjoy Fall!
Upcoming webinars, etc.:
NOTE: The links provided above are for informational purposes only. None of this information serves as a substitute for medical or legal advice. Please contact Dr John Gaal, Chief Learning Officer, at stlbtwc@gmail.com with related questions or comments.
Image credit: Magnific
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