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Washington, D.C.—What do the historic Smithsonian Folkways web site and Norma Rae, the quintessential labor-themed movie produced in 1979, have in common with Labor Day 2006?

Visiting the Smithsonian music web site to listen to labor songs and viewing this classic film about union organizing are among five Labor Day activities suggestions offered by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in a message to the 150,000 federal workers it represents in 30 federal agencies and departments.

“The working men and women of American and their unions have served this nation well for a very long time,” said NTEU President Colleen M. Kelley. “NTEU is a vital and vibrant part not only of the labor movement, but of the history of organized labor in this country, and every one of our members should rightly be proud of her or his participation in this movement.”

The NTEU suggestions were contained in a flier provided to NTEU chapters across the country for distribution to those in the bargaining units. “These activities will help remind those we represent that they are part of something historic and strong,” President Kelley said.

These are NTEU’s five suggestions:

· Visit a labor exhibit at a local museum or tour the Labor Hall of Fame at the U.S. Department of Labor from your computer at www.dol.gov;

· Listen to labor songs on the Smithsonian Folkways web site, www.folkways.si.edu;

· Check the labels the next time you shop and buy a union-made product;

· Watch a pro-union movie, like Norma Rae; and

· Relax. Having time off from work to spend with family and friends was an early goal of the labor movement.

Labor Day is next Monday, Sept. 4.