Labor Day

Poster, Free Labor Will Win; USA; Gift of Unknown Donor; 1987-24-26

The industrial revolution turned America into a major economic world power and brought a new level of prosperity. Mass production made goods more affordable and provided jobs in urban areas. Unfortunately, it also brought child labor, unsafe working conditions, and long hours. The work week averaged 60-70 hours; workers were often injured or sometimes killed on the job. In the late 1800’s, workers began coming together to protest low wages, long hours and child labor.

On September 5th, 1882, workers in New York took to the streets to march in the first Labor Day parade, followed by picnics in the park. The idea of a workers’ holiday became popular across the country, and in 1887 Oregon made Labor Day a state holiday.

In the 1890’s, churches began setting aside the first Sunday in September as Labor Sunday. A day for making church goers aware of the plight of factory workers and remind people Jesus was a working-class carpenter. Lead by the United Methodists, churches fought against child labor and unsafe working conditions.

The Pullman strike of 1894 shut down the railroads for two months. When the strike turned violent, President Cleveland sent in federal troops. As a concession to workers, he signed a bill making Labor Day a federal holiday.  Being midway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving, the first Monday of September was chosen. Labor Day is a Flag Holiday and a good day to remember what it took to build Our Nation.