Labor Day: A Celebration of Work and Achievement

Labor Day: A Celebration of Work and Achievement 

The annual celebration of work and achievement, Labor Day, has some rather bleak beginnings. Over 100 years ago this holiday originated at the peak of the Industrial Revolution. It is at this time that workers united and took a stand in order to obtain some well earned comforts as well as rewards.

Sawmill_Steam_Engine--P

Industrialization and the Working World 

 The Industrial Revolution sparked advances in the the systems of communication, banking, and transportation. The very manner in which work was carried out also began to change during this time. Work during this era, clock in for an average of 60 to 70 hours a week. Laborers sweated in grueling 12 hour shifts and were often subject to rather harsh conditions. 

Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day? 

The harsh and sometimes unsafe conditions in which the laborers worked did not allot for time off or good pay. In fact, it was these same dismal circumstances that brought a number of workers to rise up together to take action.

In other words, Labor Day is a celebration of worker’s appreciation. Had laborers not gathered or formed unions, employees today would likely not have pay raises, days off, retirement, sick leave, or vacation time.

 Fascinating Labor Day Facts

  •  Labor Day’s founder is a subject of controversy as it is believed that either Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire is responsible for the creation of this holiday.
  • While Labor Day is a National Holiday, not everyone gets time off.
  • The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882.

The Conversation – Forgotten Labor Day: http://theconversation.com/have-we-forgotten-the-true-meaning-of-labor-day-64526

Labor Day History: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day

History of the Industrial Revolution: http://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution