Well, it is officially the end of summer. It is labor day weekend. I am of course, working both Saturday and Sunday.  The Origins of Labor Day from United States Department of Labor:

http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

 

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

 

Since, I have been in Hospitality all these years 20+, for me it just means I am working and it is the end of one season of tourist and the beginning of another demographics.  I had a phone call today, from someone who wanted a "Tour" due to she is off this weekend. I explained today ( Saturday) I am here until about 5pm or 6pm and tomorrow due to a late wedding will be in around 2pm. She was rude and expected me to jump up an come in the morning for her.    I have worked many hotels and it is not common at all for a "Sales Person" to be in on Sunday. I actually do not need to be in before 3pm but was willing to come in at 2pm for her, not good enough and she hung up.

 

I am hung up on this, due to the fact, people think Hospitality People should never have a day off, and should be at their beck and call.  Now, I am here Tues-Sat. and my Director Mon-Friday, so the only day not covered in Sales is Sunday, you can not find another time? I have made exceptions and come in on Sunday, due to being when I have a function and need to come in and check anyway, or the person is like me an has Sun/Mon off.  Unfortunately, not once when I made these exceptions did the people book with me. One was even 1 hour late ( excuse me)!! 

One major hotel chain sales was Mon-Fri and until Noon on Saturday. So, for you to get a sales person on a Saturday is rare, I work in a small boutique  hotel and my schedule is Tues -Sat. so I can meet with Brides, and be here for the functions.  I deserve my two days off, even though this time of year, I rarely have my two days off.   During the crazy months I come in every Sunday for at least 2 hours, but I wear my shorts and do not meet with clients it is to do paperwork and make sure the tip outs are correct for my staff. 

 

I am just appalled that someone would not take into consideration that yes, we are here to service our clients and book new clients but we are also human and deserve to be treated with respect, and if we have a schedule and are willing to move it a bit for you, do not take the attitude that is not good enough!!