Union Origins:

Labor Day originated from the power and visibility of labor unions. The Central Labor Union first organized the holiday with a celebration in New York City on September 12, 1882. The celebration served two purposes: to give workers a day off for their diligent work, and to publicize the power of American workers and labor unions.

The Central Labor Union had greater aspirations for Labor Day than a single celebration. Their goal was to make a Labor Day an enduring holiday that was of equal significance to other established holidays. They repeated the celebration on the same date in 1883. In 1884 they changed date to be on the first Monday of September, which set a precedent for years to come.


State Popularity:

Labor Day gained increasing popularity at the state level over the following years. On February 21, 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day a legal holiday. Several states followed Oregon’s example making Labor Day an official holiday over the next few years.


A Federal Holiday:

On June 28, 1894, Labor Day achieved the level of notoriety desired by the Central Labor Union as it became a federal holiday. The celebration of the American worker was secured. It was clear that the nation understood how integral the contribution of the American workforce was to the country.


What Labor Day Was Meant To Be:

Labor Day has always been enjoyed as a well deserved day of rest, but its celebration has changed somewhat from its early days. It was originally celebrated with parades and eventually speeches. Parades and speeches may still be found on Labor Day, but the focus of the day has evolved to favor the purpose of enjoying some time off from work.


What Labor Day Has Become:

Today the Labor Day holiday has become a quest for many to find activities that allow them to play as hard as they work. With the understanding that the Monday holiday will bring an extended weekend, Labor Day is seen as a rare opportunity to enjoy some free time. This is a busy travel time as people attempt to get away for the weekend. Many people take use the holiday for camping trips, barbeques, picnics, and for enjoying sports events. At the other end of the spectrum are those who simply want to raise their feet and a glass to enjoy for a relaxing holiday leisure retreat.

Although Labor Day is a day to honor workers, it has understandably become more of a day to enjoy time with family and friends. Children especially see this holiday as a high priority opportunity enjoy what is left of summer before school starts up again. In a way, Labor Day is the last federally sanctioned summer vacation day. Labor Day gives everyone an opportunity to find some fun before heading back to work again.


Enjoy it While You Can:

On Labor Day most people don’t want to think about work. It is a holiday to honor workers and all that they do, but by clock-out time on Friday, work becomes the last thing on anyone’s mind. Oddly enough, it seems that Labor Day has given America the opportunity to forget about work—and even more strangely, that seems to be just what everyone needs. Enjoy Labor Day and have fun while you can, because come Tuesday morning the work all starts again.  

- Article by Wes Fessler

Sources:
1. U.S. Department of Labor,  “The History of Labor Day”
http://www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm  [Accessed 1 July 2007]

2. wikipedia, “Labor Day (United States)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_Day_(United _States) [Accessed 1 July 2007]

3. American Family Traditions,  “Labor Day”
http://www.americanfamilytraditions.com/labor-day.htm  [Accessed 1 July 2007]