No Labor on Labor Day

I found out today that the Labor Day holiday was started by a New York Labor Union back in the late 1800's. According to the U.S. Department of labor, many have doubts about who was first to create the "end of the summer" holiday. General Secretary of the the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and one of the co-founders of the AFL,  is one such candidate. His name is Peter McGuire and he declared a day to give thanks to the men "who from rude nature delved and carved all the grandeur we behold." 

Others, however, believe that it was a machinist who started the holiday. One Mathew McGuire, who believe it or not, was also ensconced  in the labor movement, and later became the the secretary of the Local 344 on the International Association of Machinists. Pete or Matt; take your pick. 

The first one was actually on a Tuesday, September 5th, 1882 in New York City,  and was planned by the Central labor Union.  They had a picnic and a demonstration to show their support for this new National holiday. The holiday didn't receive any legislative attention until Oregon, on February 21st, 1887, mandated it for state workers. After that other states followed. In June of 1894 Congress passed Labor day legislation, making the first Monday in September a legal Holiday. 

The last paragraph on DOL's website says this:

"The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional 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, remember while you're hanging out on your back patio, having a picnic, or cook out with the family, that is was the American worker that provided all those things you are eating, watching, playing, or sitting on. They may not have made them all, but they certainly came in to your possession by way of an American worker. And don't forget those rich guys who put us all to work; they deserve a day off too. Enjoy your weekend, and have a frankfurter for me, because the work never stops here . Work = Fun.