A History of Labor Day

In this time of recession, it is interesting to think about today, Labor Day. After all, there are many who would be happy to be working today. (Of course, many in the retail sector and other service jobs continue to work today.) In any case, it is a day to remember, as it affects businesses and individuals alike, and it commemorates the long struggles of worker to get things like reasonable hours, vacations, holidays, equal pay and an end to child labor.

Below is an interesting history of Labor Day from The History Channel. It is a bit long, but there is a good three and a half minute summary at the beginning. If you have a little more than three minutes, it’s a very interesting look at Labor Day. If you have eight and a half minutes, you can get another view of different aspects of labor, including the evolution of the factory and a more in-depth look at child labor.