Why Labour Day is worth celebrating

Labour Day weekend is much anticipated. Many people look forward to Labour Day weekend because it offers one last extended break to enjoy summer weather. Though summer does not officially end until September is nearly over, for many people Labour Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September, marks the unofficial end of summer.

But Labour Day is more than just one final chance to embrace the relaxed vibe of summer and soak up some rays. In fact, Labour Day boasts a unique history that’s worth celebrating for a variety of reasons.

WHAT IS LABOUR DAY?

The United States Department of Labor notes that Labour Day is a celebration of American workers that dates back to the 19th century. The day is meant to commemorate the contributions workers in the United States have made to the nation, helping to make it one of the strongest and most prosperous countries in the world.

WHO CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF LABOUR DAY?

Debate remains as to just who should be credited with proposing a day to honour workers, but the official holiday has its roots in the U.S.

Some records suggest that Peter J. McGuire, who served as general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and cofounded the American Federation of Labor, deserves the credit for Labour Day.

However, the U.S. Department of Labor notes that many people believe a machinist named Matthew Maguire (no relation to Peter) was the first to propose a holiday honouring workers in 1882.

At that time Maguire was serving as secretary of New York’s Central Labor Union, which later adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The first Labour Day was ultimately celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans made by the Central Labor Union, which strongly suggests that Maguire does, in fact, deserve the credit for coming up with the holiday.

But the Canadian Labour Congress notes the origin of Labour Day actually came 20 years earlier, when unions started holding parades and rallies in Toronto and Ottawa to celebrate the successful 1872 Toronto printers’ strike.

Labour Day became a statutory holiday in Canada in 1894.

WHY CELEBRATE LABOUR DAY?

Communities across Canada hold picnics, parades and marches to mark Labour Day and celebrate the contributions of workers. Unions also keep the tradition of using the day to advocate for workers’ rights.

Labour Day weekend might now be seen as the unofficial end of summer. But this Labour Day weekend, celebrants and workers should remember that Labour Day also should be a time to reflect on the value of hard work.