Labor Day

Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in the United States since the 1880s to honor workers. (May 1st – the day most countries around the world celebrate labor – was avoided by American politicians due to the association with the Haymarket riots, part of this country’s struggle for an 8-hour day, in Chicago in 1886.) Traditionally it has been time for labor organizations to exhibit their strength with parades and public events. In recent years it has lost much of its connection with the labor movement and seems more identified with family cook-outs, NASCAR races and Jerry Lewis Telethons.

However, it remains important to remember the struggles of hard-won gains by workers that have raised the standard of living for all Americans. It is also important to remember that those struggles are not over.