On a bright September morning in 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, in what became the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. People lined the streets waving flags and cheering for horse-drawn “floats.” While New York was the first state to recognize Labor Day, the idea of a “workingman’s holiday” began to catch on across the country and, over the years, 23 individual states passed legislation recognizing the holiday. 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.
Recognition or Riots?
The history of Labor Day is a bit murky. Some say the holiday was a result of labor activists who wanted to recognize the many contributions workers made to America’s strength and prosperity. Other historians claim that Labor Day grew out of violent clashes between labor and police during the Haymarket Riot in 1886, when thousands of workers in Chicago took to the streets to demand better working conditions.
Most agree that it was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century – the height of the Industrial Revolution – to advocate for an eight-hour workday and a five-day work week. Prior to that, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks to make a basic living. It was also common for children as young as 5 or 6 years old to work in mills, factories and mines in unsafe conditions. These poor working conditions led to massive unrest, including a deadly railroad strike at the Pullman Palace Car Company and protests across the country.
The “true founder” of Labor Day is also unclear. Some historians credit Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others suggest that Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union. Regardless of who founded the holiday, we can all agree that calling attention to workers’ rights had long-ranging positive results.
Labor Day Celebrations
Today, the nationwide holiday symbolizes the end of summer and the start of the back-to-school season. It’s celebrated with barbecues, parades, and other festivities. However, as we fire up those grills and spend time with family and friends, we should take a moment to acknowledge the true meaning of the day. As stated by the U.S. Department of Labor, “American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. 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.”
Fun Facts about Labor Day
- The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 changed several holidays, including Labor Day to ensure they would always be observed on Mondays so federal employees could have more three-day weekends. Other holidays that always fall on Mondays include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, and Memorial Day.
- When the holiday was first proposed, it was suggested that the day be “observed with a street parade to exhibit the strength and spirit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” Today, parades are still a big part of Labor Day celebrations.
- Hot dogs and hamburgers are the most popular foods eaten on Labor Day. According to umbel.com, hamburger consumption on Labor Day is second only to Memorial Day with 70% of barbecue-goers planning on eating a burger. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, that’s a real thing!) estimates that between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans eat about 7 billion hot dogs each year!
- More than half of Americans are expected to travel over Labor Day weekend, with 86% planning road trips and 16.1 million traveling by plane.
- Going to the movies and shopping are also popular activities on the holiday weekend.
- According to Emily Post, you CAN still wear white after Labor Day!
Whatever you plan to do this Labor Day, have a safe and fun holiday!
You Have Rights
Thanks to the early labor movement, we now have many laws that protect our employment and safety on the job, as well as providing compensation if you are injured in the workplace, become ill due to your job, or become disabled during your working years. Since 1933, The Disability Guys have been helping injured workers and their families reclaim their lives after work injuries and accidents sidelined them. We are dedicated to helping workers receive the benefits they deserve, whether it’s a workers’ compensation claim or a Social Security disability application. To find out if you are eligible, receive advice you can trust, or need help filing a claim, call us today for a free consultation at 866-205-2415. You have rights, and we’re here to protect them!