Here are some things you might not know about the holiday, which takes place during the first Monday of September in the U.S.:
There is some debate as to who founded Labor Day
Someone proposed the idea in the late 1800s — that much is settled. But by some accounts, it was Peter McGuire, a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor. Others contend it was Mathew Maguire, a machinist and head of a labor union in Manhattan.
The first Labor Day parade was in New York City and it involved beer kegs
On Sept. 5, 1882, New York City held the first Labor Day parade, where between 10,000 and 20,000 people attended. According to Time, after the parade, workers had a picnic where they smoked cigars and drank from a bunch of beer kegs.
Imagine New Yorkers from the 19th century wearing petticoats and cotton overalls drinking beer from a keg (that actually sounds like a good theme party).
Canada claims responsibility for Labor Day
In 1872, workers paraded in Toronto during labor disputes. Peter McGuire allegedly saw the parade and decided to bring a labor holiday to the U.S.
Not everyone has the day off
Something like 41 percent of employers have at least some employees working on Labor Day, according to a 2015 survey by Bloomberg. Those people are nurses, firefighters, correctional officers and others, tend to have to work on Labor Day.
So while you’re enjoying your day of no classes, take a moment to appreciate those who still have to rush to work.
Now that you're an expert on Labor Day, sit back, relax and enjoy the long weekend!
@jess_hillyeah
jh240314@ohio.edu
