History of Labor Day: The Long Journey of Recognizing Workers' Rights in the United States

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Labor Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring the extraordinary achievements of workers and their significant contributions to a nation's social and economic progress.

In the United States, this holiday is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September.

This celebration is more than just a holiday, but also a symbol of recognition for the long struggle of the labor movement that has shaped modern working conditions.

The history of Labor Day in the United States is deeply rooted in the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, where harsh and exploitative working conditions sparked calls for change.

Workers often faced extremely long hours, low wages, and dangerous environments, even involving children in backbreaking labor.

These conditions prompted activists and unions to speak out for their rights, demanding recognition and improved welfare.

From these demands, the idea of ​​establishing a special day to honor the labor of workers was born.

Labor Day in the United States is a holiday dedicated to honoring workers and recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.

It is typically observed on the first Monday in September to recognize the individuals who have built and sustained the nation's economy through their dedication and hard work.

This movement has played a crucial role in shaping modern workplace standards, including reasonable working hours, decent wages, and a safe working environment.

Today we celebrate American workers – the heart and soul of our nation. Unions built the middle class. And the middle class built this country. Happy Labor Day, America. pic.twitter.com/4kLl6jnYHR

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 1, 2025

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, working conditions were extremely harsh.

The average American worker had to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week just to meet basic living expenses.

The work environment was often dangerous and inhumane, with inadequate protections for workers.

Even more concerning, children, even as young as five or six, were forced to work in factories, mines, and other production facilities across the country.

They received significantly less pay than their adult counterparts, adding to the already difficult conditions.

This situation fueled a wave of discontent and calls for radical changes in the labor system.

While there is uncertainty as to who first proposed the idea of ​​Labor Day, two names are often mentioned: Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire.

Peter J. McGuire, a general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and one of the founders of the American Federation of Labor, is believed to have proposed a holiday for the "working class" in 1882.

However, recent research and some historical records support the position of Matthew Maguire, a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union (CLU) in New York.

Maguire is also credited with first proposing the holiday in 1882 while serving as CLU secretary.

The first Labor Day celebration in the United States was held on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City.

The event was held according to plans developed by the Central Labor Union.

Approximately 10,000 workers voluntarily took unpaid leave from their jobs to participate in this historic parade, which proceeded from City Hall to Union Square.

The parade, organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, was a demonstration of the strength and unity of workers.

Parade participants came from a variety of professions, including shoemakers, horseshoe makers, printers, cigar makers, house painters, bricklayers, and piano makers.

After the lively parade, many participants gathered in Elm Park to continue the celebration.

There, they enjoyed picnics and listened to inspiring speeches from prominent labor advocates.