Do you know the reason behind Labor Day?

In the 1830s, people working an average of 70-hour weeks in manufacturing companies. Naturally, workers felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job. So union organizers started organizing efforts to get more days off. Along with reducing the work week to six days with a shorter eight-hour work day, the Labor Day holiday was also part of this agenda.The goal was to create an occasion that brought different types of workers together to meet and recognize their common interests.

In 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day bill into law. However, congress’ proclamation covers only federal employees, as it is up to each state to declare its own legal holidays.

Labor Day is celebrated the First Monday of every September. Interestingly, it also commonly used to mark the end of summer and the start or the school year.

These efforts to give the working class more time off benefits all of society. This extra time off incentivize workers to spend their wages traveling, dining out and participating in other forms of entertainment. It turns the working class into the consuming class.

This is one of the many reasons that it’s important for private companies and government agencies to honor this holiday. Don’t lose the spirit of Labor Day. Companies: give your employees their day off! Workers: take advantage of this day — shut off your phone, disconnect from work, and go celebrate and BBQ!