Monday, September 3, 2018

Labor Day – More than the end of summer

Ruth de Jauregui

Illustration of the first Labor Day parade in New York City. 

As we celebrate the 124th Labor Day, enacted by Congress on June 28, 1894, we may reflect on the how and why of the workingman's holiday.

Labor Day has its roots in the Industrial Revolution and the evolution of labor unions. In the late 1800s, a typical work week consisted of a 12-hour day, seven days a week. Five and six year old children worked in mills, factories and mines. Working conditions were often unsafe.

Early labor unions focused on skilled trades, and were often formed and then disbanded after they achieved their goals. However, by the mid- to late-1800s, labor unions were working toward better working conditions, hours and pay. Strikes and rallies often became violent confrontations between workers and police, including Chicago's infamous Haymarket Riot in 1886.

The 1894 Pullman Railroad Strike.
The Illinois National Guard.at the Arcade Building in Pullman IL.
Despite the threat of violence, 10,000 workers marched in the first Labor Day parade in New York City on September 5, 1882. That first march led to a tradition of celebrating the first Monday in September. Oregon was the first to implement the holiday, passing it into law on February 21, 1887. Several other states followed Oregon's lead.

The federal government was forced to recognize Labor Day after the American Railroad Union crippled railroad traffic nationwide in 1894. The boycott of the Pullman railway cars led to federal troop deployment in Chicago and riots that killed a dozen or more workers. In a conciliatory move, President Grover Cleveland announced the establishment of the official federal holiday – Labor Day.

Credit: DodgertonSkillhause / Morguefile.com
Today, Labor Day has become the unofficial end of summer. Family vacations often include this last three-day weekend before school starts on Tuesday. Public celebrations include parades, fireworks displays, barbecues and other events.

As we spend time with friends and family, remember that our day of rest and relaxation is due to the efforts of American workers and their unions, who were willing to strike, fight and die for better working conditions and wages.

We all benefit from their sacrifices, so let's each raise a beverage and salute the American worker before digging into the burgers, potato salad and pie.

*****

On Saturday, I'll continue with "In the Garden -- Summer-Blooming Hummingbird Magnets" and on Monday, September 17th, I'll share my little tale of publishing and reviews. (Actually, the lack of reviews, LOL!)

The series on Women in Science Fiction will resume on October 1st.

*****

#LaborDay  #LastDayOfSummer  #RuthDJ  #OurAuthorGang







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COMMENTS

Toi Thomas

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Happy Labor Day!
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Toi Thomas via Google+

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Ruth de Jauregui​ offers us a history lesson on the origins of the Labor Day celebrations. #OurAuthorGang
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Joanne Jaytanie via Google+

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Discover the roots of our Labor Day. #OurAuthorGang
 
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Joanne Jaytanie

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Very informative post, thank you, Ruth.
 
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today on #OurAuthorGang, author Ruth de Jauregui​ enlightens us as to the truth behind Labor Day and why it means so much more than just "End of summer. Back to school."
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Joe Bonadonna

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Most excellent, Ruth!
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Grace Au

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Today, Ruth de Jauregui explores the history of Labor Day. Have a safe happy last day of summer...and remember those trailblazers who've gone before us.
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Ruth de Jauregui via Google+

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
My own contribution to #OurAuthorGang today. Have a great day and be safe out there on the highways!
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Ruth de Jauregui

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Sometimes I take a deep breath and remember that it's thanks to the workers and their unions that we have a 40-hour work week and better working conditions. Labor Day sure is the workingman's (and woman's) holiday.
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Chris Weigand

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Interesting to see the history behind this holiday
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Happily, the workers and their unions made it possible. Thank you!

Chris Weigand via Google+

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A little history lesson with Ruth de Jauregui
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Cindy Smith shared this via Google+

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Cindy Smith

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Happy Labor Day!  What a long way we have come in the workforce.
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Indeed! Thanks to the brave people who fought for making life better for the working class.

Lorraine Carey

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
A great post on Labor Day and those who fought to make it come to fruition. Happy Labor Day!
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Happy Labor Day!
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Erika M Szabo

4 months ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Happy Labor Day everyone!

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