The History of Labor Day: A Tribute to American Workers

Before It Was a Federal Holiday

Long before Labor Day became a national holiday, it was recognized by labor unions and state governments. In the 1880s, American workers faced grueling hours, low wages, and poor working conditions. To honor their contributions and push for better treatment, labor leaders began calling for a day to celebrate the working class.

Municipal ordinances acknowledging Labor Day began appearing in 1885 and 1886. As support grew, individual states moved to pass legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a Labor Day bill, but Oregon became the first to officially adopt it into law on February 21, 1887. That same year, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York all followed with their own laws.

By the end of the decade, Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had joined in. By 1894, twenty-three more states had established Labor Day as a holiday, setting the stage for federal recognition.

Labor Day Becomes a National Holiday

On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day, a national holiday. The move followed the Pullman Strike, a nationwide railroad boycott that highlighted tensions between labor and government. Declaring a holiday to honor workers helped ease those tensions and marked a significant moment in American labor history.

Who First Proposed Labor Day?

The origin of Labor Day’s proposal is still debated. Two men are often credited with the idea.

Peter J. McGuire, the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, is said to have suggested a day to honor workers in 1882. He envisioned a “general holiday for the laboring classes” to recognize those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

However, many argue that the true founder was Matthew Maguire, a machinist and the secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. According to research and records from the New Jersey Historical Society, Maguire proposed the idea in 1882 while serving in his role with the union. After Labor Day was signed into federal law, the Paterson Morning Call published a piece crediting Maguire as the rightful author of the holiday. Both McGuire and Maguire were present at the first Labor Day parade held that year.

The First Labor Day Celebration

The very first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. It was organized by the Central Labor Union and featured a parade through the streets of Manhattan. Thousands of workers marched together, proud to display their unity and collective strength.

The following year, the Central Labor Union held another celebration on September 5, 1883. The event gained momentum, inspiring cities and states across the country to host their own parades and gatherings.

By 1894, with growing state support and the labor movement's increasing influence, Congress passed the bill to establish the holiday nationwide.

How Labor Day Was Originally Celebrated

Early Labor Day celebrations reflected the values and goals of the labor movement. The first proposal for the holiday outlined two key elements: a parade to show “the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations” and a festival for workers and their families to relax and enjoy the day. This format became a model for future celebrations.

Public speeches by union leaders, politicians, and advocates were added over time, shifting some of the focus toward the economic and civic significance of the labor movement. In 1909, the American Federation of Labor passed a resolution establishing the Sunday before Labor Day as Labor Sunday, a time to reflect on the spiritual and educational values of labor.

The Modern Meaning of Labor Day

Although Labor Day has become associated with backyard cookouts and holiday sales, its purpose remains deeply rooted in honoring the contributions of American workers. The holiday stands as a reminder of the efforts of unions and activists who fought for fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable hours.

Even today, many of the rights workers enjoy, like the 40-hour workweek, minimum wage, and workplace safety regulations can be traced back to the hard work and sacrifices of the labor movement.

Labor Day is a chance to reflect on how far we have come and how much work remains. It is a moment to recognize the value of labor, the dignity of work, and the role of the American worker in shaping the nation’s success.

As the Department of Labor once stated, “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.” (www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history)