Labor Day

Labor Day was the result of workers wanting to be paid appropriate wages for the work they do, decent working hours, and time off to rest.

In the 1800s the workforce of the country was composed of many immigrants from other countries. When they arrived in America, they found that the dream they had could not be realized. They were paid low wages and often had to work 12 to 14 hours a day. They worked when they were sick, because if they did not, there was always someone to take their place.

Labor Day was first celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 with a parade organized by the Central Labor Union in New York City. A year later, the second Labor Day celebration was held. The Central Labor Union had originally proposed that the celebration be held on a Monday. In 1885, Labor Day celebrations were held on the first Monday in September. The idea for the celebration spread throughout the country and labor organizations in the cities organized parades and picnics. At some, labor officials would make speeches.

There have been significant changes in the celebration of Labor Day. Big celebrations with parades and speeches are not the norm anymore. Some cities still have parades and community picnics but Labor Day is now considered to be the end of summer. Many people spend their three-day weekend at the beach or on their last vacation of the summer.

In 1894, Congress passed the law which made Labor Day a federal holiday.

Visit My Information Mall