Labor Day History

For most Americans, Labor Day signifies the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year (although many schools now start before Labor Day). We enjoy Labor Day as a great time for a cookout and spending time relaxing with family. Most people have forgotten the origins of Labor Day, which was a day to recognize the labor force in America. Labor Day had its beginnings the 1880’s, although there is a bit of discrepancy as to when it actually began and who started it.

The Central Labor Union in New York is generally given credit for the idea of Labor Day. The union wanted to organize a demonstration and picnic in honor of laborers. However the Knights of Labor are also given credit for the first Labor Day parade. There is also a split in deciding who actually came up with the idea. Some say it was Peter McGuire, a member of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, while others give credit to Matthew Maquire, a member of the International Association of Machinists (Department of Labor).

Communist countries had a labor day as well, but it was celebrated on May 1st. When they were deciding on the date for the American Labor Day, it was decided to avoid May 1st, so as to be distanced from Communism. Here is a timeline to help understand the history of Labor Day.

1882 – Tuesday, September 5 - The Central Union Labor and the Knights of Labor are both credited with the first Labor Day observances, including a parade.

1884 – The first Monday of September was chosen as the yearly date for Labor Day and the Central Labor Union urged others to join New York City in having a “workingmen’s holiday” (Department of Labor).

1887 – The push began to get other states to make Labor Day a state holiday. Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey were the first to establish Labor Day. More soon followed over the next few years.

1892 – New York Union workers took an unpaid day off to have a parade and march around Union Square in support of Labor Day.

1894 – After a very messy situation with the Pullman Company in 1893, with layoffs, strikes and violence after a depression, Congress and President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday, in hopes to help ease tensions after the problems the year before. Parades, festivals and speeches became part of the Labor Day celebrations each year.

1909 – Labor Day Sunday was “dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement” (Department of Labor).

Over the years, Labor Day has drifted from its original intention. However, America still owes a great deal of thanks to those who’ve built the nation into what it is today.

Reference:

Department of Labor, "The History of Labor Day." US Department of Labor in the 21st Century. 22 July 2007. US Department of Labor. 22 Jul 2007 http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm.

Lehrer, Jim. "THE ORIGINS OF LABOR DAY." On-line NewsHour. 02 Sep 2001. 22 Jul 2007 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business/september96/labor_day_9-2.html.

Wilson, Jerry. "Labor Day - History of the Observance of Labor Day." 2006. 22 Jul 2007 http://wilstar.com/holidays/laborday.htm.