What Are The Origins Of Labor Day?

Ah...it's Labor Day, a three-day weekend and time to fire up the barbecue! At least, that's what many Americans seem to think of it. In past decades, Americans have sadly lost touch with their heritage and the traditions behind the days they take off.

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Origins of Labor Day

During the late 19th century, the United States was going through the Industrial Revolution. Thousands of people were moving from an agricultural economy to one based on factories and industry.

grayscale photography of man facing mechanical machine — Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

The amount of American workers in manufacturing doubled from 14% to 25% between 1880 and 1920! There were no moral considerations in the early days of the Industrial Revolution, and workers were expected to work 6 days a week for 12-16 hour days!

Working men were unable to have a work-life balance, and burnout, emotional exhaustion, chronic sleep disorders, and isolation from their families ensued. Labor unions began arising to negotiate shorter days for worker health.

On Tuesday, September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers left work to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City. The parade featured food, speeches, and music! Jewelers, dressmakers, printers, cigar makers, piano makers, bricklayers, and many other groups marched with pride in their uniforms!

The event was so powerful that massive campaigns for an 8-hour workday popped up around the country. The massive celebration became an annual celebration, and the first Monday of September was chosen due to its connection with the 1882 labor parade, the three-day weekend, and its rough approximation between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.

Local ordinances celebrating Labor Day followed, then states, and then finally, in 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed Labor Day into law as a national holiday.

Why Worth Celebrating?

In an economy that makes it increasingly hard for the working class to get by, it's worth taking some time to recognize that American manufacturers made our country the superpower that it is today. Never forget the great Americans who laid the railroads, forged the steel, and built the foundations of the greatest country the world has ever seen! The working class makes up the backbone of our civilization then and now.

So, while you are barbecuing hamburgers, honor the working-class Americans, past and present, who make our nation strong, and remember to thank the 1800s labor movement for your 8-hour workday!