Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.
The labor movement occurred during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. While industrialization brought about an increased volume and variety of manufactured goods, it also resulted in difficult employment and living conditions for the poor and working class.
From 12 hour & 7 day a week work schedules to children as young as 5 working in mills, the industrial revolution was a time of hard work, unsafe conditions, and lack of ethical concerns. Workers spoke out, creating labor unions, organizing strike, rallies and protests. For example, in 1882, over 10 thousand workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in NYC, holding the first labor day parade in history.
Other industrial cities took on the workmen’s holiday aka Labor Day. Congress didn’t legalize the holiday until 12 years later in 1894.
To this day, the first Monday of September is dedicated to the contributions of all the hard working men and women of America’s industrial revolution. Whatever you’re up to today, be sure to take a moment to appreciate those who have worked so hard to build, sustain, and maintain this great country.
A special thanks to the workers of the past, who fought for today’s generation. Those workers have given us a unique opportunity in which workers are rewarded handsomely for putting passion behind their work, rewarding those who create work that matters, and it gives workers an opportunity to receive great pleasure in producing something of value.
