It is time to celebrate Labor Day; once again people are getting ready for a day of rest, but behind this date of gatherings and festivities lies a whole history.
This day, observed on the first Monday of September, is about the social and economic achievements of American workers.
According to the official site of the United States Department of Labor, this holiday has its roots in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for the creation of a federal holiday to recognize the numerous contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the United States.
Before becoming a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and by individual states. Following the passage of municipal ordinances in 1885 and 1886, a movement arose to secure the enactment of state laws. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887.
During 1887, four more states, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, passed laws establishing Labor Day as a holiday. By the end of the decade, Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit.
By 1894, another 23 states had adopted the holiday and, on June 28 of that same year, Congress passed a law declaring the first Monday of September each year as an official holiday.
The first celebration of Labor Day took place on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City, in accordance with plans of the Central Labor Union. This organization held its second Labor Day observance barely a year later, on September 5, 1883.
For 1894, another 23 states had adopted the holiday and, on June 28 of that same year, President Grover Cleveland promulgated a law establishing the first Monday of September each year as a national holiday.
Many Americans celebrate Labor Day with parades and parties, celebrations very similar to those proposed in the first plan for this observance, which suggested celebrating the day with a street parade that would showcase the strength and camaraderie of the community’s unions and labor organizations, followed by a festival for the recreation and enjoyment of workers and their families. This scheme became the model for Labor Day celebrations.
Today, the United States’ workforce is immense; millions work day by day to get ahead. Our Latino community is a very important part of this workforce; according to the Department of Labor, we represent 19% of it. Whether in construction, restaurants, carpentry, landscaping, cleaning, hospitality, and many other trades that are essential for the economy to keep moving, on this Labor Day let us remember those who paved the way and recognize those who strive daily so that this country continues to move forward despite the difficult times many face.
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