Labor Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers.
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Established as a federal holiday on June 28, 1894, by President Grover Cleveland, Labor Day recognizes workers' struggles and achievements.
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The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, with a parade of about 10,000 workers in New York City organized by the Central Labor Union.
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During the late 19th century, workers faced declining conditions due to the shift from artisan to factory jobs, while factory owners prospered.
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Oregon was the first state to officially recognize Labor Day as a holiday in 1887, marking an early acknowledgment of workers’ rights.
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In 1887, workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company went on strike over wage cuts and high rents. The strike ended in violence when federal troops intervened.
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Cleveland’s establishment of Labor Day was partly a response to the Pullman strike, aiming to improve relations with the labor force.
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Initially, unions faced legal challenges and strikes were often deemed illegal. The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 eventually granted workers the right to join unions.
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Recent years have seen renewed labor activism, with younger generations advocating for better working conditions and fair pay, similar to the struggles of the past.
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Labor Day continues to symbolize the ongoing fight for workers' rights, celebrating past achievements while highlighting current labor issues.
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