While many may think of Labor Day as one last chance
to grill in the late summer’s heat or to
take a dip in the pool, it’s important to know that
it’s more than just another three-day weekend. Observed the first Monday in
September each year, Labor Day is a celebration of the social and economic
achievements of American workers. Continue reading to learn more about the history of Labor Day.
Labor Day was created to recognize the efforts of
labor workers following the labor movement of the 19th century, which demanded
an end to the harsh working conditions, extremely limited time off, and
unlivable wages that were common during that time. During the Industrial
Revolution, Americans were working an average of 12 hours or more a day, seven
days a week. Although there were some states that enforced age restrictions, many
children as young as five years old were working in mines, mills, and factories,
while making a fraction of what their elders earned. People from lower classes were
forced to work in unsafe conditions to support their families.
Because of these poor working conditions, the labor
unions that first appeared in the late 18th century began organizing protests.
They stood up against the low wages and demanded employers reevaluate the
number of hours worked, as well as the environments being worked in. It was not
uncommon that these protests ended violently.
On September 5th, 1882, a total of 10,000
workers united to go on an unpaid strike. They marched from City Hall to Union
Square in New York City, which is the march we know today as the first Labor
Day Parade. While this march was an important achievement in the history of
American workers, as well as an opportunity to impact legislation across the
country, it did not put an end to the poor working conditions and low wages in
the U.S. at the time.
It wasn’t until 12 years later, in 1894, that the
problems American workers faced were brought to light. On May 11th,
1894, employees at the Pullman Palace Car
Company in Chicago went on strike as a result of wage cuts and the firing of
representatives in their union. One month later, the American Railroad Union
boycotted the use of Pullman railway cars, causing railroad traffic nationwide
to suffer immensely. As a result, the federal government sent troops to Chicago
to assist in controlling and ending the strike, however this effort resulted in
intense rioting and the unfortunate deaths of many.
On June 28, 1894, two days after the deadly riots
in Chicago, President Grover Cleveland signed Labor Day into law as a legal
holiday in Washington D.C. and all territories.
While many now celebrate Labor Day with picnics and parties, it’s important to note that the labor
rights we have in the United States were fought for. As you take time to enjoy
the day, be sure to remember and thank those that paved the way toward
the working conditions and
regulations we now have in the United States.
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