Origins Of Labor Day

The Labor Day Holiday generally marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year. Most people use this misunderstood holiday as a chance to squeeze in one last trip to the beach or mountains or a chance to get together with friends and family for a final blowout barbecue. But just how and why do we even have a Labor Day weekend? It may be hard to believe but way back in the late 19th century the average American worker faced terrible working conditions, with twelve to fourteen hour days, seven days a week. Numerous labor groups fought for fair pay, and fair treatment for American workers. There is some dispute in the history annuals of just who specifically was responsible for the beginning of the Labor Day tradition, but it was first proposed as an official holiday by the Central Labor Union in New York City back in the late 1880’s. Labor Day is one of those strange national holidays that we in essence no longer celebrate it’s original intent, but we do get off work for. If you think about it, what better way to celebrate and honor working people than by giving them an extra day off in which to relax and enjoy their families.