The first observance of Labor Day was probably on Sept. 5, 1882, when about 10,000 workers assembled in New York City for a parade. That celebration inspired similar events across the country, and by 1894 more than half the states were observing a “workingmen’s holiday.”
Later that year, with Congress passing legislation and Pres. Grover Cleveland signing the bill on June 29, the first Monday in September was designated “Labor Day.”
This national holiday is a creation of the labor movement in the late 19th century – and pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers.
How do most Americans celebrate Labor Day today? In my community, it’s barbecues, boating, picnicking, hiking, traveling, relaxing at home, and, yes, shopping.
In this week's address, the Pres. Barack Obama recognized Labor Day by highlighting the economic progress the country has made and underlining what needs to be done to continue that growth. Businesses have created 13.1 million new jobs over the past five and a half years, the unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in seven years, and 17 states across the country have raised the minimum wage, Obama said.
Obama wants Congress avoid a government shutdown that would hurt middle-class Americans and pass a responsible budget before the end of September.
But, it’s a tough time for the American worker. Wages for middle- and working-class Americans continue to stagnate, and income inequality has worsened. Union membership has declined from 17 percent to 7 percent in the last 30 years.
See Albert Hunt’s New York Times article, “Little to Celebrate on Labor Day,” for steps being taken to help American workers including more technology to assist them, the requirement for publicly held companies to disclose the pay gap between top executives and workers, Obama’s employee-friendly executive orders, including one that enables salaried workers to qualify for more overtime pay, and many cities and states raising the minimum wage. Hunt also discusses what needs to be done including closing the gap between the richest and poorest.
