Labor Day vs May Day: why workers' holiday in the USA is celebrated in autumn - ForumDaily
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Labor Day vs May Day: why workers' holiday in the USA is celebrated in the fall

This year, Labor Day in the United States falls on September 5, but everyone will start celebrating from Friday, September 2. This is a very important holiday for all Americans. But what do they really celebrate? A few facts about the holiday that marks the end of summer were collected by the publication Voice of America.

Photo: Shutterstock

Why Americans Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day is a national holiday celebrating American workers and their contributions to the economy. Many on this day simply celebrate the end of summer and are surprised when they learn that the holiday is rooted in the history of the labor movement of the late XNUMXth century.

history of the holiday

In the 12th century, the industrial revolution reached its peak, and many Americans had to work XNUMX hours a day, seven days a week - in harsh conditions and for low wages. Even small children worked in factories. Almost none of the employers provided their workers with sick leave, paid leave or medical benefits.

When workers began to organize in trade unions, they began to protest against the harsh and unsafe working conditions and to demand more substantial benefits from employers. The movement to create a special holiday in honor of workers began at the state level, which, one by one, began to pass laws to honor ordinary workers. On June 28, 1894, the US Congress introduced a federal holiday, choosing the first Monday in September for Labor Day.

What is the difference between Labor Day and 1 of May

Both Labor Day and International Workers Day, which is celebrated on May 1, are established in honor of the workers. The holiday of May 1, recognized in most industrialized countries of the world, appeared as a result of events in the United States.

In May 1886, a demonstration of workers who spoke for the 8 hour work day took place at Haymarket Square in Chicago. An explosion occurred during the protest, killing seven policemen and four civilians. These events attracted attention in other countries, and this day was the occasion for the annual protests of workers around the world.

Why Americans Do Not Celebrate 1 May

After the events at Haymarket Square, a powerful anti-union movement emerged in the United States. Over the years, May Day has become increasingly associated with left-wing political forces, while Labor Day, celebrated in September, has begun to be recognized by more and more municipalities and states. When the federal authorities seriously considered introducing a national holiday for workers, US President Grover Cleveland did not want to choose a May date due to associations with the Chicago bombing and instead chose an alternative day in September.

What do Americans do on Labor Day

Labor Day marks the end of summer, and many Americans use a three-day weekend to enjoy their summer vacation for the last time. Some go to parks and beaches, others have picnics in their yard with family and friends. This weekend, many stores arrange sales of household goods, mattresses, clothes and school supplies.

Do all Americans rest on this day?

For federal employees, like most employees in the corporate sector, this is a day off. However, many workers, especially in retail trade, transport and catering, are still forced to go to work on this day, and some have to work even longer than usual.

Labor movement today

Beginning in the 19th century, the labor movement led to significant changes in the working conditions of Americans and the benefits that they receive. An eight-hour work day, a five-day work week, medical insurance and paid leave have become commonplace.

In recent years, US trade union membership has declined as the globalization of the world economy has led to a change in the structure of employment in the United States. Many union members today are employed in the state or municipal sectors, rather than working in factories and factories, which was typical 100 years ago.

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