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History of Labor Day
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Labor Day became a federal holiday on June 28, 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed legislation. The holiday honors American workers, but Black workers' roles are often overlooked.
Background
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor American workers. It originated from the labor movement, with the Pullman Strike of 1894 often cited as a key event leading to its establishment. However, Black Americans played a significant role in the labor movement, a fact often overlooked in history books.
How it unfolded
- 1886Movement for an eight-hour workday and the Haymarket affair in Chicago, tied to May Day history.
- 1894Pullman Strike occurred, a key event leading to Labor Day's establishment.
- Jun 28, 1894President Grover Cleveland signed legislation establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday.
- 1909American Federation of Labor (AFL) convention adopted Labor Sunday, the Sunday before Labor Day, for spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Labor Day is a federal holiday honoring the achievements and contributions of workers in the United States.
- Public
- Many people view Labor Day as a final summer celebration with cookouts and parties, rather than focusing on its historical significance.
- Expert
- Black Americans played a significant role in the labor movement, but this contribution is often overlooked in mainstream history.