Labor activists pushed for the national holiday to recognize all that the American worker contributed to the strength, prosperity, and wellbeing of our nation.
On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday after multiple states had already been celebrating on their own.
Labor activists pushed for the national holiday to recognize all that the American worker contributed to the strength, prosperity, and wellbeing of our nation. The Department of Labor was created in 1913 by President William Howard Taft to support the interests of workers, job seekers, and retirees. The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938, creating the 40-hour work week and minimum wage. Local labor union representatives say the American worker is still critical to the wellbeing of our nation.
The Department of Labor was created in 1913 by President William Howard Taft to support the interests of workers, job seekers, and retirees.
Tiffany McKee, Staff Rep. United Steel Workers District 1, says,
“You noticed in the pandemic when workers were forced out of their jobs, the economy shut down. That shows you right there exactly how strong and how important the working class is to this country and the economy.”
Jeff Adams, President Local 1219 Lima Engine Plant,
“So, I do believe we're in a labor movement right now in the country. So, when the unions make more money, everybody else makes more money, so we affect everybody.”
George Jeffries, UAW Lima Troy Area Cap Council chairperson, adds,
“Labor Day honors those who came before us. Like the brick over here, Walter Reuther was beat nearly to death; he was shot. He fought for labor for their rights for people to get a decent living wage. He is not the only one; there have been many throughout history. All those people who have fought and bled led us to Labor Day, and we should honor them and continue that fight for the next generations.”
The Fair Labor Standards Act was passed in 1938, creating the 40-hour work week and minimum wage.
This is the 130th federally recognized celebration of Labor Day in the United States.
