Today, Monday, September 7, you may hear someone wish you a Happy Labor Day. What is Labor Day and why do American’s celebrate it? Labor Day is a national holiday that pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September.
The History of Labor Day
In the late 1800s, the average American worked 12-hour days, seven-day weeks, and barely were able to make a basic living. In some states, children as young as 5 or 6 years old worked in mills, factories, and mines, earning disgracefully low wages. People of all ages, particularly the poor, often worked in unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities, and breaks.
In the late 18th century, labor unions began organizing strikes in protest of the poor working conditions in the mills and factories and pressured employers to renegotiate the hours and pay for their workers. In 1882, ten thousand New York City workers took unpaid time off from their jobs to march in the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history. The idea of a “workingman’s holiday,” caught on across the country, and in 1894 Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday.
Labor Day is typically celebrated in cities and towns across America with parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks, and other public gatherings. I hope you have a Happy Labor Day!
Author: Judith Howard, International Students Inc staff @ NC State
