Features and Stories

Labor Day: Saying “Thank You” to Our Tireless and Dedicated Workers

Labor Day: Saying “Thank You” to Our Tireless and Dedicated Workers
Bernadine Racoma

Did you know that before 1894, when Labor Day became a federal holiday, wages for the day were deducted from every laborer that participated in the Labor Day parades?

Labor Day in the United States is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year. This year it falls on the 2nd of September. This is one of the most anticipated federal holidays in the U.S. In 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed the holiday into law.

What does Labor Day mean?

It’s an annual tribute on a national level to honor all workers’ contributions to the well-being, prosperity and strength that the United States is enjoying. That is the definition of Labor Day to the U.S. Department of Labor. For the average American worker, this is a time for family-centered activities, joining in the fun with friends, having barbecues and picnics, watching and joining in the parades and maybe listening to some political speeches.

A bit about its origin

When George Pullman of Pullman Industries in Pullman, Chicago reduced wages and laid off workers in 1894, he did not reduce rent in the community where most of the workers lived. As many workers were affected they called for a strike on May 11. Four thousand factory workers joined the strike, paralyzing most of the passenger and freight traffic on the western section of Detroit in Michigan. Twenty-seven states and nearly 25,000 workers joined the strike in the succeeding days. The strike became a violent one, with confrontations between the strikers and national guards. The sabotages and riots caused more than US$80 million in damages and the loss of lives of 30 people.

It was in New York where the first Labor Day celebration occurred in 1882 but the Pullman Strike in 1894 and its aftermath led to the enactment of Labor Day into law six days after.

Is it still meaningful?

For most Americans, Labor Day marks the end of summer and the time when children go back to school. It also means the start of the pre-season of football. The three-day weekend also means more time to shop during one of the largest retail weekends.

While many have lost sight of the real meaning of Labor Day, there are still many Americans that believe in its significance. Maybe it is about time to re-examine the needs of workers in this high-tech, high productivity business environment and take a look whether the benefits that are given to the workers are still applicable and sufficient to their needs.

Just the same, give yourself and each one you know a round of applause and a warm pat at the back for doing well at their jobs. For without your hard work, the economy of the United States will not be what it is today.

Three cheers to you all for a job well done!

Photo Credit: Labor Day 1937

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