Labor Day Revealed: 5 Must-Know Facts
Labor Day, a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the end of summer while honoring the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. And, of course, it's also a time for sales and discounts because, well, it's Murica!
But have you ever wondered who actually created this holiday and when it first started being celebrated? Those are excellent questions, and I'm glad you asked. Below, you'll find some answers provided by the kind folks at the National Constitution Center.
1. When did it start?
In 1882, labor leaders in New York made the decision to hold a parade with the purpose of celebrating their union members and showing support for all unions. The parade attracted an impressive attendance of at least 20,000 people, and workers had to sacrifice a day's pay in order to participate. As a result, it's understandable that, with the stage set for future Labor Day celebrations, a significant amount of beer was consumed during the event. Following New York's lead, other regions of the country soon started observing Labor Day. By 1887, Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Colorado had all designated Labor Day as an official state holiday, as mentioned in the historical information.
2. How did it become a national holiday?
The credit for making Labor Day a federal holiday goes to President Grover Cleveland, who signed it into law in 1894. The decision to establish a federal holiday honoring labor came in the aftermath of the Pullman Railroad Strike, which had resulted in violence. President Cleveland and other federal lawmakers believed it was important to have a designated day to celebrate labor, although they wanted to avoid May 1st, which was associated with international labor movements and potential political unrest.
President Grover Cleveland
U.S. Senator James Henderson Kyle from South Dakota introduced the legislation that made Labor Day a federal legal holiday. The bill proposed that Labor Day be observed on the first Monday of September. It was eventually approved on June 28, 1894. However, by that time, many states had already established their own Labor Day holidays independently.
3. How many people belong to labor unions?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 14 million individuals, which accounts for around 10 percent of the workforce, were members of labor unions in 2021. It is worth noting that there has been a notable increase in private sector unionization in recent times. However, the number of public sector unions still surpasses that of the private sector significantly. As per federal data, the percentage of public sector union membership stands at 33.9 percent, while the private sector union membership is at 6.1 percent.
4. Who belongs to unions?
Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupations with the highest rates of unionization were in the fields of education, training, and library occupations, with a unionization rate of 34.6 percent. Additionally, protective service occupations also had a significant unionization rate of 33.3 percent.
Furthermore, the National Constitution Center highlights that the National Education Association (NEA), which represents teachers and educators, is the largest union with approximately 3 million active and inactive members. The NEA plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of teachers and educators across the country.
5. Do you have to stop wearing white after Labor Day?
Yes, I understand. It has been a traditional rule to pack away white clothing, including whites, Nantucket reds, and boat-themed attire, until the following summer. However, opinions on this matter remain divided. Given that the pandemic has disrupted many fashion norms, you are free to follow your own preferences if that's what you enjoy. To help you navigate post-Labor Day white fashion, GQ and Vogue offer some tips and suggestions.
On a different note, according to the National Constitution Center, Labor Day is also considered the unofficial end of the hot dog season. Although some may find this notion nonsensical, those who have enjoyed a hot dog and a beer at a hockey game can attest to its significance.
Suggested ways to commemorate Labor Day:
A fun way to celebrate Labor Day is by organizing a family and friends gathering, where you can enjoy delicious food and engage in conversations about the achievements and contributions of workers. Share stories and memories about your loved ones who are or have been workers, and together, honor their dedication in building society.
Furthermore, a great way to make this day meaningful is by participating in volunteer activities. You can get involved in building homes for the homeless, join programs that assist children and the elderly, or engage in other volunteer initiatives that support the community and benefit those around you.
To add an extra touch to your Labor Day celebration, why not show your respect and support for workers by wearing themed Labor Day apparel? By donning these printed garments, you not only commemorate the spirit of Labor Day but also make a unique and creative statement. Our collection features a diverse range of images, from work tools to iconic symbols of labor, all aimed at honoring and appreciating workers. Each image is created with high-quality resolution and is ready to be printed on various garments such as t-shirts, hoodies, and more. You can easily download the digital image files from our website and print them at home or at your preferred print shop.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a fantastic day. We'll be here when you return on Tuesday!
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