Dallas Business Attorney: The History of Labor Day
Posted on | September 3, 2011 | No Comments
Every year around this same time all my family and friends began discussing what the plans are for the long Labor Day weekend, which always includes barbecuing, relaxing by the pool, or last but not least, spending the entire weekend watching college football. However, few of us know the history of the “American Worker’s Holiday.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the 1st Monday in September is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of the American workers.
There are conflicting reports on who first proposed the idea of a national holiday for workers. Certain records reflect that Peter J. McGuire was the father of Labor Day. Peter McGuire was the General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joinders of the American Federation of Labor. He is quoted as saying that Labor Day is to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”
Many others believe it was a different McGuire that proposed the holiday. Matthew McGuire, a machinist who became the secretary of the Central Labor Union was said to propose the holiday in 1882. The records are clear however that the Central Labor Union did indeed adopted the proposed holiday. TheUnionappointed a committee to plan the event, which included a public demonstration and picnic.
On Tuesday, September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day picnic was held inNew York City. On September 5, 1883, the second holiday was celebrated. By 1884, the Central Labor Union selected the first Monday in September to recognize the holiday. When Labor Day of 1885 rolled around the following year, several other industrial cities were celebrating the “workman’s holiday.”
In the late 1800’s many municipalities recognized and celebrated Labor Day, but the first state to pass it into law wasOregonon February 21, 1887. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday and Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.
As best described by the Department of Labor, “The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the work has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditionally ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day, to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership—the American worker.”
So, whether you spend this weekend golfing, dove hunting, laying by the pool, watching football, or doing whatever makes you happy, the Wright Firm, LLP wishes you a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. For information about Texasbusiness law contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or visit our website at www.thewrightlawyers.com .
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