It might be hard to imagine (especially for young people) but there was time in our history when workers had few, if any, rights. They faced harsh working conditions, long hours, low wages and dangerous environments. Prior to the passage of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) of 1935 and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, it was common for workers, including children, to work 12-14 hours a day, 6-7 days a week, with little to no breaks. Wages were often too low to cover basic living expenses, and safety standards were nonexistent.
But, What about Labor Day?
Long before the NLRA and FLSA were passed, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It was planned by the Central Labor Union and was slowly adopted by other states over the years. However, it wasn’t until 1894, that President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday.
Making Labor Day a holiday was a good first step, but it was seen more as a “symbolic nod” to workers, without legal teeth. As you might expect, there was strong opposition from business owners and very little initial support for unions. The first unions were relatively weak and covered only a small fraction of the workforce in those early years, which is why it took several decades after that first Labor Day to establish significant workers’ rights. Those years of struggle by workers to receive the rights they deserve are something we should not forget.
A Good Reminder
When the first Labor Day holiday was proposed, it was suggested that “the day should be observed with a street parade to exhibit the strength and spirit de corps of the trade and labor organizations of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of workers and their families.” Today, many of us will celebrate this day in the same way – with parades, festivals, cookouts and time spent with family and friends. But, while we’re enjoying a day off celebrating, we should also take a moment to remember the importance of workers’ rights.
In addition to creating child labor laws and improving working conditions, wages, and safety, the labor movement led to important programs such as Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability Benefits. In fact, the first federal workers’ compensation program was established in 1908 for “civilian employees in hazardous work.” The rest of the federal workforce was covered in 1916. This was the first form of social insurance in the U.S., and it continues to provide benefits and medical care for workers when they suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Today, over 129 million U.S. workers are covered by workers’ compensation programs.
It took quite a bit longer for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program to be established. This legislation wasn’t signed into law until 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The first SSDI program only provided benefits for disabled workers between the ages of 50 and 65 who met certain requirements. However, over the years, the program expanded to include workers of all ages, as well as benefits for spouses and dependents.
Both of these important programs are vital safety nets, providing financial support to people who are unable to work due to injury, illness or disability, as well as necessary medical benefits.
Here’s to America’s Workers!
Where would we be without the men and women who build our houses, schools, and businesses? Or those who keep our roads paved and safe, and those who construct and maintain bridges to connect us to one another? What about the millions of workers who assemble the goods we purchase every day and stock the shelves with the food we eat? The list is endless. This quote (author unknown) sums it up best: “American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.”
Happy Labor Day!
If you have been injured or suffered an illness while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. The experienced attorneys at The Disability Guys® can help you draft a claim, create an action plan, and get your life back! If you are unable to work due to a disability, our Social Security lawyers can help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us today at (914) 223-8032 for a free consultation.
