Labor
This monument, titled Labor, is a salute to the dedication and hard work of all those who built the grand city of Omaha. It is a tribute to the men and women who worked for and continue to forge a better life for themselves, their families and their community. The monument is a reminder of what men and women of all walks of life can accomplish by working together. Their commitment will never be forgotten.
Inspired by Terry Moore, President of the Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Bruce Rhode, President and Chairman of the Board of ConAgra Foods, Inc. and the City of Omaha, this monument became a reality. It reflects the great achievements that result from a partnership of business, labor and government.
Before you is the second largest labor monument in the United States. The five bronze figures are eight feet tall and each weighs 800 lbs. The three large ladles each weigh 6,000 lbs and the ladle at the top weighs 4,000 lbs. An additional 7,382 lbs. of steel and 508,200 lbs of concrete make the total weight of this monument 541,582 lbs or almost 271 tons.
South of the monument, Labor, is "Union Walk". The plaques along the walk reflect the significant influence and commitment of organized labor in Greater Omaha.
Omaha and its unions grew up together. At the time it was chartered, in 1857, Omaha was
on the edge of a growing nation. It was destined for economic growth because of access to transportation - first the Missouri River and, soon after, the Union Pacific Railroad. As Omaha grew so did its workshops, mills, factories, plants, office buildings and retail businesses. The construction and day to day operations of all this commerce employed many.Unions in rail and related industries began to grow in the 1860's, as those industries developed. Building trades organized in the 1880's. The Knights of Labor had a presence in Omaha, but in the 1890's, unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor were on the rise. In 1955, the American Federation of Labor merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations and became the AFL-CIO. To coordinate local unions' political and social service activities, the Omaha Federation of Labor was chartered in 1887.
Today, the labor movement represents a diverse workforce of industrial, service, building and construction, and government sectors of our economy. Organized labor stands firm in its commitment to strive for the betterment of workers and the community.
Erected by Many Concerned Citizens and Organizations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce
Location. 41° 15.8′ N, 95° 55.419′ W. Marker is in Omaha, Nebraska, in Douglas County. It is in Downtown. Marker is on Riverfront Drive, on the right when traveling north. Monument is at Lewis and Clark Landing, along the Missouri River between the I-480 and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridges. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha NE 68102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Missouri River Flood (a few steps from this marker); People, Places, and Stories (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Preserving Our Heritage (about 500 feet away); Westwardly by the Waters (about 600 feet away); Omaha Firefighters Memorial (about 700 feet away); Nature exerted herself to butify the Senery (about 700 feet away); Capt. Lewis…will…give us accounts of new things only (about 700 feet away); Captain William Clark and Private Reuben Field (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Omaha.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 872 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on May 15, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.