Origins of Labor Day
The origins of Labor Day date back to the labor movement in the late 19th century. During this time, industrialization was booming, and workers were often subjected to long hours, dangerous conditions, and low wages. As workers began to organize for better working conditions, the idea of a day to honor their contributions emerged.
The first official observance of Labor Day in the United States was on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It was organized by the Central Labor Union (CLU), which was made up of various labor unions in the city. The event featured a parade, followed by a festival with speeches and performances, bringing attention to the plight of workers.
However, it was not until 1894, after the violent Pullman Strike, that Labor Day became a national holiday. The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike that disrupted commerce and led to violent confrontations between workers and the federal government. In the aftermath, the U.S. government decided to create a holiday in recognition of the labor movement and to honor the hard work of American workers. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law, making Labor Day an official holiday. shutdown123