#ThrowbackThursday – Labor Day: The Struggle For Worker’s Rights Goes On

An Introduction

Did you know that in the 19th century, Americans used to work 12 hr workdays. Generally, nowadays the officially sanctioned 8-9 hr workday is better suited for workers of today that need to balance work and family.

As the story goes, the purpose behind Labor Day was to grant workers more rights when it came to their pay, working conditions, working hours, benefits and more. No one would the exploitative practices of the laissez faire economic structure come in the way of workers’ rights. All these strides towards equitable worker’s rights were made back in September 5, 1882 in New York City.

The History Behind Labor Day

It wasn’t until June 28, 1894 that the decision to make Labor Day being celebrated on the first Monday of September was approved. It was basically started as part of the labor union movement, since the Industrial Revolution was in full swing and ordinary Americans were being made to work 7 days non-stop with 12 hr workdays.

For its inaugural event, up to 10,000 workers held a well-organized march and parade from City Hall all the way to 42nd Street, with a picnic, concert and some speeches no less. This sense of festiveness survives to this day, however some would argue that a day designed to celebrate the triumph of workers’ rights is nowadays used to get workers to work more on holidays.

The Future And Labor Day’s Significance In The Modern Age

In light of the US presidential nomination season, many seasoned politicians (Democrats and Republican nominees both) are expected to kick off their nomination campaigns on Labor Day 2015. The Labor Day occasion is also used to signify the end of the summer, with a three day weekend that sees the beaches and picnics and parades thronged with US citizens.

Even though now Labor Day is all about having a good time while availing consumer-friendly deals and promotions from corporate entities, it is prudent to remember the countless sacrifices and efforts that were made so that future generations would uphold traditional American values of family and stability supreme in addition for their entrepreneurial spirit to flourish in this day and economy.