Remembering Labor Day’s Origins
There’s a saying about a broken clock being right twice a day, and perhaps that’s how we should view the socialists who played a role in establishing Labor Day.
It’s not easy to give them credit, but, maybe, they deserve a nod for this lovely three-day weekend that signifies the end of summer and the start of autumn.
Labor Day officially became a federal holiday in 1894, a product of the 19th-century labor movement, with one key figure being Eugene V. Debs.
In the 1800s, America saw an industrial boom. Factory jobs began to replace agricultural work, leading to increased wealth for the country.
However, the situation for workers was grim. Many labored seven days a week, often for 12 hours a day, under harsh conditions just to scrape by. Children as young as five were found working in factories, earning only a fraction of what adult workers made.
In June of 1894, Debs, the leader of the American Railroad Union, initiated a nationwide boycott against the Pullman Palace Car Company. The resulting chaos disrupted rail services, and when strikes escalated, the federal government intervened by sending troops to Chicago. Unfortunately, this led to riots that resulted in the deaths of several workers.
In response, Congress decided to recognize a Workers’ Day, making it an official holiday across Washington, D.C., and other territories. President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation on June 28, 1894.
While socialists may be mistaken about many issues, they were right to advocate for the establishment of Labor Day.
Americans genuinely appreciate Labor Day. It represents the last leisurely summer weekend before the more serious autumn season begins. The change in seasons brings its own delights—college football, vibrant foliage, and of course, everything pumpkin-flavored. Yet, there’s a bittersweet feeling as summer slips away.
Labor Day serves as a perfect remedy for that sadness. It’s a celebration for American workers, reminding us of the contributions of those socialists who helped make it all possible.
