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On this Labor Day, take a moment to learn about the history of the holiday and the state where it all began. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law making Labor Day a legal holiday.
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The History of Labor Day
In the late 1800s, the average American worker put in 12-hour days and seven-day weeks just to make ends meet. Exhausted by the long hours and low pay, workers in various industries began to form unions to gain better treatment from their employers. One of the earliest and most effective union organizations was the Noble Order of the Knights of Labor, which was founded in 1869.
The four major goals of the Knights of Labor were to:
1. Establish fair wages
2. Create shorter work days
3. Provide improved working conditions
4. Grant workers the right to unionize
The Knights of Labor quickly grew in popularity, and by 1886 it had almost a million members. That same year, labor unrest erupted across the country as workers went on strike for higher wages and better working conditions. The largest and most violent strike occurred in Chicago, where workers clashed with police during a protest at the McCormick Reaper Works factory. The protest turned into a full-fledged riot, leaving several dead and many more wounded.
In response to increasing violence and unrest, a number of cities and states passed laws making it illegal for workers to go on strike. In an effort to prevent future violence, union leaders from around the country met in early September 1887 to discuss their grievances and demand changes from lawmakers. It was during this meeting that delegates from New York proposed setting aside a day each year to honor workers and their achievements. The proposal was unanimously approved, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday
The First Labor Day Law
In 1887, Oregon became the first state in the United States to pass a law making Labor Day a legal holiday. New York followed suit in 1894, and by 1898 every state in the Union had passed legislation making Labor Day a public holiday. The day became a federal holiday in 1971.
The Significance of Labor Day
In the late 19th century, as the labor movement was growing in the United States, there was a push to establish a national holiday to recognize the contributions of workers. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law making Labor Day a holiday. By the end of the decade, several other states had followed suit, and in 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday.
Labor Day is now celebrated annually on the first Monday in September. It is a day off for many workers, and a time to enjoy barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities with family and friends. For some businesses, it marks the end of the summer season and the start of back-to-school sales. It is also an occasion to reflect on the achievements of workers and their unions in fighting for better working conditions and pay.
The Importance of Labor Day
The Importance of Labor Day
Labor Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of American workers. It is a time to come together and show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication that our fellow citizens put in day in and day out. It is also a time to remember the humble beginnings of this holiday and the important role that it plays in our history.
Labor Day was first established as a federal holiday in 1887, and it was actually New York that was the first state to pass a law making it a holiday. From there, other states followed suit and by the early 1890s, most states were observing Labor Day.
The establishment of Labor Day was a direct result of the violence that erupted during the Pullman Strike of 1894. The strike, which began on May 11th, was a response to wage cuts and poor working conditions at the Pullman Palace Car Company. The strike quickly turned violent, with clashes between strikers and federal troops resulting in the deaths of more than 30 workers.
In an effort to calm tensions and show solidarity with American workers, President Grover Cleveland declared September 5th to be a national holiday dedicated to labor. This date was chosen because it did not fall on the anniversary of any particular event or strike.
Labor Day has come to be seen as an important part of our national identity. It is a time for us to come together and celebrate the hard-working men and women who make this country great.
The Meaning of Labor Day
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. The establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday arose out of one of these disputes.
In 1866, the first attempt was made in New York City to establish a day for workers. The idea spread with some success until it reached Chicago, where on June 26, 1867, a general strike was called to protest wage cuts by local businessmen. In response to this call to action, troops were called in and violence broke out. The event became known as the “Haymarket Affair.” Eight anarchists were arrested and tried; four were hanged; one blew himself up while in prison; and two others were sentenced to life imprisonment. These men became known as martyrs by the labor movement.
The Purpose of Labor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the achievements of workers. It is a day of rest or a holiday from work for most Americans. According to the Department of Labor, Labor day, “is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”
The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day celebration on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and committees were appointed in various industrial centers to plan suitable demonstrations.
The idea for a “workingmen’s holiday” was promoted by Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor and Secretary of United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. In response to oppressive working conditions at the time, McGuire proposed that America set aside one day out of every year to celebrate labor.
On June 28th of 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed into law legislation making the first Monday in September an official national holiday devoted to honoring American workers for their “contributions to the strength, prosperity, and well-being” of our country.
The Celebration of Labor Day
In 1887, Oregon became the first state of the United States to make Labor Day an official public holiday. The state legislature voted to do this on February 21st. Shortly afterwards, Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut all followed suit and passed their own laws making Labor Day a holiday.
The labor movement in America had been growing for many years before this. The first recorded labor strike happened in 1768, when journeyman printers in New York went on strike for better working conditions and pay. In the years that followed there were more and more strikes and protests as workers fought for their rights.
The purpose of having a Labor Day holiday was to celebrate the achievements of workers and to show support for the labor movement. The day was originally celebrated with parades, speeches and picnics. Today it is still a public holiday in many countries around the world, although the way it is celebrated varies from place to place.
The Tradition of Labor Day
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.
The first legal recognition of the holiday was accorded by the state of Oregon in 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially recognized it.
For more information about the history of Labor Day visit: https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history
The Legacy of Labor Day
On July 4, 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday. Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York soon followed suit. By the time Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States had already adopted it.
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is celebrated each year on the first Monday in September. It was created by labor unions in the late 19th century as a way to celebrate worker solidarity following the violent suppression of the Pullman Strike of 1894.
Although the origins of Labor Day are sometimes traced back to Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, it was actually Matthew Maguire—a machinist from New Jersey—who first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of his local union in Paterson.
In addition to being a day off from work, Labor Day also marks the end of summer for many Americans. It is often celebrated with BBQs, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
The Future of Labor Day
In 1887, Oregon became the first state to pass a law making Labor Day a holiday. By the time the holiday was established nationally in 1894, more than 30 states had already enacted similar legislation.
Today, Labor Day is celebrated across the United States as a tribute to the American worker. It is typically observed with parades, picnics and other festive activities.
Looking to the future, some feel that Labor Day may eventually need to be updated to reflect the changing economy and workforce. For example, with more workers now employed in the gig economy (such as Uber drivers), some have suggested that a new holiday be created to celebrate these workers. Others have suggested that Labor Day be expanded to include all workers, not just those in traditional labor jobs.
Whatever its form may be, it is clear that Labor Day will continue to be an important part of American culture for years to come.
