Why is Labor Day 2022 celebrated on September 5 in the United States? What is its origin and meaning?

() — This is a look at the commemoration of the Labor Day, Also known as Labor Day, a national holiday celebrated in the United States and Puerto Rico to honor workers. In 2022, Labor Day is September 5.

Data

• Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September.
• In many other countries, the Workers’ Day (May 1) It is the day in which workers are honored. Most of Europe celebrates the first of May.
• For many, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer.
• In July 2021, there were more than 161 million people in the workforce in the United States.

Chronology

Early 1880s – According to the Department of Labor, the idea of ​​creating a holiday to honor workers was proposed by Peter McGuire of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Cabinetmakers Union or by Matthew Maguire of the International Association of Machinists. The New York Central Labor Union appointed a committee to organize a picnic and parade in honor of the workers.

September 5, 1882 – New York City held the first Labor Day parade. The US Census Bureau estimates that 10,000 workers participated. Not all employers support the idea, but many union workers take the first Monday in September off anyway. Some unions impose fines on workers who do show up for work. Back then, workers received time off for Christmas, the 4th of July and every other Sunday.

1887 – Oregon becomes the first state to make Labor Day a legal holiday.

1894 – President Grover Cleveland and the US Congress make Labor Day a national holiday.

unions

• In 1983, the union membership rate was 20.1% in the US. In 2020, the membership rate was 10.8%.
• In 2020, Hawaii and New York had the highest rate of unionized workers among states: Hawaii at 23.7% and New York at 22%.
• South Carolina and North Carolina had the lowest, at 2.9% and 3.1% in 2020.