HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Labor Day is observed annually on the first Monday in September, and this year, it falls on September 2, 2024. While it’s a great opportunity for barbecues and pool parties, Labor Day also has important historical significance. The holiday honors workers and their contributions, originating from a challenging period in American labor history.
During the late 19th century and the height of the Industrial Revolution, the average American worked 12-hour workdays and seven-day workweeks. Although it was illegal in some states, children as young as 5 worked in harsh conditions in factories, mines, and mills across the country.
In response to these harsh conditions, labor unions began organizing strikes and rallies to demand better hours and pay. The Central Labor Union in New York City organized the first Labor Day celebration on September 5, 1882. The holiday quickly gained support, and by 1894, 23 states had adopted it. President Grover Cleveland signed a law on June 28, 1894, making Labor Day a national holiday.
Labor Day is a reminder of the progress made in labor rights and the ongoing efforts to improve working conditions.
