Senator Thomas F. O’Mara of Elmira reflected on the significance of Labor Day in his weekly column, highlighting the historical and ongoing contributions of workers throughout the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes regions, and across New York State.
O’Mara pointed to local industries as examples of enduring workforce excellence. He attended the 150th anniversary celebration of I.D. Booth in Elmira, a distributor founded in 1875 that has remained under family leadership for six generations. The senator described I.D. Booth as “one of Upstate New York’s proudest legacies,” emphasizing its tradition of quality and community strength.
He also noted recent developments at Alstom’s Hornell facility, where new high-speed rail trains—manufactured in America—have begun service along the Northeast Corridor. O’Mara stated that Hornell is recognized as “America’s center of rail manufacturing excellence,” with Alstom being the largest train manufacturing site in North America and employing one of the nation’s finest workforces.
Quoting Alstom’s statement from last week, O’Mara included: “Many employees’ roots at the plant stretch back generations, creating a blend of tradition, craftsmanship and innovation that continues to move the American rail industry forward.”
O’Mara acknowledged these milestones as part of a broader pattern: “These are just a few examples of the numerous occasions I have to help celebrate our local and regional industries, manufacturers and small businesses and, most importantly, the local workforces who help these enterprises succeed and ensure the ongoing strength and pride of so many communities.”
He called attention to Labor Day’s origins—the first celebration was held in New York City in 1882—and cited an overview from the U.S. Department of Labor: “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”
Reflecting on recent challenges faced by workers during difficult years nationally and locally, O’Mara quoted Theodore Roosevelt: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
O’Mara argued for renewed governmental commitment: “Without question, it demands a renewal of New York State government’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and fiscal responsibility — in other words, to opening doors to a stronger future for workers.” He said this focus has waned but pledged continued advocacy for policies supporting workers’ prosperity.
