HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2025-025-Labor Day Proclamation ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
LABOR DAY
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS , on June 28 , 1894 , the United States Congress passed an act making the first
Monday in September of each year the legal Labor Day holiday ; and
WHEREAS , the 2025 Labor Day holiday occurs on September 1St ; and
WHEREAS , the federal holiday pays tribute to the achievements of workers in the United
States by recognizing their contributions to the country ' s strength, prosperity and well-
being ; and
WHEREAS , Orange County has a labor force of 78 , 648 residents and an unemployment
rate of 3 . 6% ; and
WHEREAS , while the Orange County median household income is $ 86 , 736 , many
residents are still employed in jobs that do not pay the current living wage of $ 17 . 65 per
hour; and
WHEREAS , North Carolina remains one of just 16 states that have not adjusted their
$ 7 . 25 minimum wage , even for inflation, over the past fifteen years ; and
WHEREAS , many workers in Orange County earn less than living wages and are living
in poverty and even experiencing homelessness despite full-time employment ; and
WHEREAS , Orange Counry ' s Strategic Plan recognizes a diverse and vibrant economy
as one of its six Strategic Priorities ; and
WHEREAS , this strategic priority ' s goal is to foster an environment that attracts and
retains sustainable and diverse businesses and visitors , employment opportunities , and
diversifies our tax base ; and
WHEREAS , Labor Day is an opportunity for Orange County to recognize the
contributions of all of our workers to the county ' s economy ; and
NOW THEREFORE, we , the Orange County Board of Commissioners , do hereby
proclaim September 1 , 2025 , Labor Day , as a day to honor the hard-working residents of
Orange County who contribute so much energy , skill and innovation to our broader
community and encourage all Orange County employers to ensure workers have a living
wage , as well as safe and supportive work environments .
This the 261h day of August, 2025 .
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JoKezettAedford, Cho
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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