The Meaning of Labor Day123

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic accomplishments of American workers. Labor Day is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

The first official Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday. American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

For me personally as an owner of a company, I believe your workforce is an extension of your personal values and goals, and a key component to your gains, but business wise and personally. Without dedicated and hard working employees whom share your drive and devotion, your business will crumble no matter how good of an owner you may be. It is within this knowledge of understanding the value of a good and loyal employee that has allowed me and my business to grow year over year, while providing a level of service that is second to none. Without each and every one of them, I would still be in the same position I was nearly 25 years ago, when I was just starting out and struggling to survive in a competitive market. And with that being said, I want to personally thank all of my employees, who make my life and my job easier and an absolute pleasure day in and day out. Happy Labor Day!!!

About the author: Joe Fiorilli