Why Labor Day?

Summer time officially ends on the Labor Day weekend. Kids are back in school or heading there, and the summer vacation attractions close. The Labor Day weekend is the last three-day weekend of the year and many families try and wrap up the summer with a final camping trip, vacation or picnic/BBQ with friends; however, not many people remember the history behind why Labor Day is celebrated.

Labor Day dates back to just before the turn the 20th century. The holiday is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the world’s workers. It also is tied to the benefits of labor organizations and all that they have achieved on behalf of workers.

The holiday is celebrated all over the world but not on the same day everywhere. Internationally, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1. The United States, Canada and Bermuda are the only countries that celebrate Labor Day on the first Monday of September.

The origins of Labor Day go back as far as 1882. The first Labor Day celebration was September 5, 1882 in New York City. Historians report that Peter McGuire suggested the first Labor Day celebration.

Labor Unions and Labor Day

The original supporters of Labor Day were members of the labor unions in the larger communities. In fact, the first holiday celebration was organized by the Central Labor Union. The second celebration occurred one year later.

Following these two celebrations, hosted by the Central Labor Union, the first Monday in September was selected as a day to be designated as a “working man’s holiday.” Other labor organizations in cities across the nation were encouraged to follow suit and celebrate on the same day.

Celebrating the Labor Movement

The labor union movement of the early 20th century brought with it many benefits and resulted in the United States having one of the highest standard of living and the greatest production of the world, both in the past and the present.

The labor unions brought about reforms within businesses that had previously demanded too much of the workers. Wages increased, hours were fixed at 40 hours per week and any hours required over the initial 40 were to be paid overtime. Whether you are pro or con unions, unions were an answer to the very real problems of the turn of the century. Employers would take advantage of their employees by working them exorbitant hours for very low wages. The wages of the workers were so low during the time when unions were born that a worker often couldn’t even afford to provide for his family. Labor unions changed all this, and labor day was a reflection of their efforts to elevate the status of the worker.

How Labor Day Became Official

Observance of Labor Day grew during 1884 and 1885. By 1885 and 1886, cities were giving recognition to the holiday by passing municipal ordinances concerning the festivities. Following the passage of the municipal ordinances by individual cities, the next step was to seek state legislation concerning the holiday. New York was the first state to introduce a bill making the holiday an official policy. Oregon however was the first state to actually pass the law, in February 1887.

By the end of the decade, seven other states had also followed suit. The number of states with laws governing the official status of Labor Day had reached 23 by 1894. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed a bill that declared the first Monday of September to be the official day of celebration for Labor Day. This history is why labor day exists today.

Labor Day Celebrations

The original celebration included parades of the local labor unions and speeches by prominent figures and local governmental representatives. The festivities also included games and amusements for the enjoyment of workers and their families.

Today, the emphasis has shifted a bit, as has the method in which labor day news is spread. Now, television, radio and newspapers all carry coverage of the Labor Day events.

The focus of Labor Day has changed over time for most people. Today it's looked upon more as a celebration of the end of the summer. It is a last chance to get away before the fall and winter set in and travel becomes difficult. It is important to remember, though, that the day is a day to celebrate the hard work of the workers that make America great.