FEBRUARY 01 2022 /
September 5, 1882, was planned by The Central Labor Union as the first Labor Day. On that day, over 10,000 workers took to the streets of New York City and marched from City Hall to 42nd Street, demanding better workers rights and working conditions. The Industrial Revolution going on at that time is what sparked this demand for change. The typical U.S. worker worked 12 hour days, six days a week and in some cases, children as young as 5 were working in factories!
On June 28, 1894, the U.S. Congress passed an act declaring the first Monday in September of each year as the legal holiday, Labor Day! Then, On September 3, 1916 the Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916, to establish an eight-hour workday.
While Americans will always use the weekend as an opportunity to gather with friends and family or take a last minute summer trip, various union-organized parades and events are still held all over the United States in celebration of Labor Day. Even in New York City, where the exact 20 block route that was marched in 1882, is marched today!
Oh and about the “no white after Labor Day” thing! Historians believe the expression comes from when the upper class would return from their summer vacations and stow away their lightweight, white summer clothes as they returned back to school and work.
For us at Killingsworth Environmental, Labor Day gives us a chance to look back and reflect on the hard work and determination that has allowed our company to grow into the 36th largest pest control company in North America and a leader in the home service industry.
We are always appreciative of our team and all that they do to keep you, your family, and your home, safe, happy, and healthy! Connect with our team.
Don’t forget, if you’ll be hosting a labor day gathering in your yard this coming weekend, be sure it looks its best, and is bug-free! (and safe!) We would love to help. Schedule an expert lawn service with us today!