A Federal Holiday With A Historical Legacy

Labor Day: Celebrating American Workers

A Federal Holiday with a Historical Legacy

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Labor Day, a federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September, is a time to honor and recognize the contributions of American workers. It is a day to celebrate the hard-won achievements of the labor movement and to reflect on the important role workers play in our society.

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The roots of Labor Day lie in the 19th century fight for fair working conditions. At that time, workers faced long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions. They organized and fought for reforms, including the establishment of an eight-hour workday, a minimum wage, and basic safety standards.

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Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882 by the Knights of Labor, a national labor union. In 1894, Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday. Today, Labor Day is observed with parades, speeches, and other events that honor the contributions of American workers. It is also a day for workers to reflect on their own struggles and to recommit to the fight for a fair and just workplace.