Locals labor on Labor Day, even as it offers a rare day off for some

Does Washington understand the hard work?

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Posted: 09/03/2012

By: Evan Axelbank

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -

It's Labor Day and Joel Levy, 78, of Palm Beach is sitting near the barrier wall on Palm Beach Island, looking out over the deep blue ocean.

"It's just beautiful here, at least for today."

The sales rep can't remember not working six days a week.

"It's a habit for me. As a matter of fact, I wear a shirt and tie everyday I go out," said Levy. "I don't play golf, and I don't fish."

But today, he took the day.

He was kind of forced into it.

"Even the trucking companies are closed, so it's difficult to get information. So you may as well take some time off, and I welcome that, I must admit," said Levy.

A rare break in the midst of a campaign season dominated by a fight over how best to get everyone back to work.

"They'd better get it. That's what makes someone determine who they're going to vote for," said Levy.

In July, Florida ranked 39th with 8.8 percent unemployment.

"I've been laid off a couple of times," said Jen Erickson, a sous chef at Rocco's Tacos on Clematis St. in West Palm Beach.

She is thrilled to no longer be amongst those looking for work.

She won't have a day off for at least another week.

Today, she cooked for people who do have the day off.

Today, that's OK.

"To keep our costs at a minimum, we all have to step up and work a little bit harder," said Erickson.

She sees the debate in Washington - over work - as one between two sides who are out of touch.

"It's easy for them to say, when they're off every weekend, and every holiday, they have a three-day weekend, it's easy for them to say thanks for the great job, happy Labor Day," said Erickson.