Labor Day is more than just a day off in September. Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. (From US Department of Labor).
US labor unions are responsible for many benefits that we may take for granted today. Some of these benefits include:
- the 40 hour work week
- weekends
- unemployment insurance
- health benefits
- pension benefits
- grievance procedures
- minimum wage
- equal pay for equal work
- workers' comp
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker. (US Department of Labor).
