In case you were wondering, the origin of Labor Day does in fact go back to the labor unions. On Tuesday, Sept 5, 1882, The Central Labor Union of New York City put on a parade and a subsequent festival for its union members. This was the blossoming of an idea that several people had for a holiday celebrating the achievements and contributions of the common working people.
The Central Labor Union did the same thing the next year, urging other labor unions to do so as well. By 1885, Labor Day was a common holiday in most industrial cities of America.
Oregon, in 1887, was the first state to formally recognize Labor Day. Other states followed suit until 1894, when Congress recognized it. Some of the governmental recognition was tied to a desire to take Americans’ attention away from May Day, a communistic holiday commemorating the Haymarket Riot of 1886. This holiday was (and is) commonly accompanied by rioting and violent demonstrations by communists, socialists, anarchists, and radicals in general. European nations and other countries were pushed to recognize the holiday, although the US and Canada held out.
Yes, while they riot and yell their hearts out, we sit down for a picnic. We need to celebrate the ideal of the work ethic that has made America great in the world. More info available here.
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