He was a typical American worker who reportedly wanted to honor those who, from rude nature, have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.
However, further research revealed that a machinist and secretary of a local International Association of Machinist in New Jersey named Matthew Maguire is the one who proposed the holiday.
The first Labor Day celebration happened on Sep. 5, 1882 in New York City in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union.
It has been a grand moment as cited in the state's Tribune, which declared that the windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first ever parade in New York, spearheaded by working men of all trades united in one organization.
Although the New York legislature was the first to introduce a state bill for the bash, the first to become law has been passed by Oregon on Feb. 21, 1887. Over the next four years, four more states, namely, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York have enacted Labor Day as a holiday. Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania followed after.
During the 19th century, Americans have been working for 12 long hours for seven days a week. It will be these grueling conditions that brought the labor movement to life.
Through the Adamson Act, the 8-hour work day has come into effect on September 3, 1916. However, it is Canada that was credited for inspiring the evolution due to the Nine-Hour Movement which supported the striking workers back in 1872.
In other countries, Labor Day is considered May Day. The festivity indicates the end of summer, the beginning of school and the start of football season.
During the 1800s, children as young as 6 years old worked in the mines and factories. Today, the general rule sets 14 years as the minimum age for employment.
