by Dawn Rutt

Created on: August 08, 2010

The History of the Labor Day Movement

The first Labor Day celebration was September 5, 1882 in New York. 10,000 workers assembled in New York City and marched uptown, where they then joined their families in Wendel’s Elm Park for a picnic, concert and speeches.  

Over one hundred years later, there is no definite agreement as to the exact origins of a workers holiday.  It is generally believed that it began with New York’s Central Labor Union; a group of representatives from many different unions.

Some believe that Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. McGuire, the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. However, there is some competition from Mathew Maguire, a machinist, whom others believe is responsible for suggesting the holiday. Maguire served at secretary to the Central Labor Union and recent research does suggest that it was him that suggested a “workingman’s holiday.”

While there is a question as to who exactly suggested it, there is no question as to why it was suggested. It was meant to make a statement;  they wanted to demonstrate the growing strength of the labor movement and to bring about change and improvements in their current working conditions. By 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many parts of the country.

Importance of the Labor Day holiday increased over the following years and the first state bill became law in Oregon on February 21, 1887. Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey were quick to follow. Within the next ten years, Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania joined suit and in 1894 Congress passed the act that would make the first Monday in September a legal holiday.

In the first proposal, according to the United States Department of Labor, the intended way to celebrate was even spelled out:  It required  “…a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.”  Eventually speakers were added at the festival and the celebration grew and adapted.

Over the years, emphasis on the celebration has drastically changed, morphing from an national festival to simply a day off of work, with little fanfare. The American worker contributed greatly to the strength, freedom and wealth of the country and the democracy. It is only appropriate that it be recognized with a national holiday.




Today in History, September 5, Accessed August 7, 2010

The History of Labor Day, Accessed August 7, 2010

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