Every first Monday of September, the United States celebrates Labor Day. But why do we observe this day and what led to Labor Day becoming a federal holiday?
Before Labor Day was established, workers in America suffered punishing 12- to 16-hour days, seven days a week, for very little pay. The days and working conditions were brutal, abusive and often, even deadly. Adults weren’t the only ones enduring this, children as young as 5 and 6 were also forced to work in hazardous industries.
But in the late 1800s, these abysmal conditions brought about the rise of labor unions, which fought for better pay, shorter hours and safer places to work. The fight for these reforms sparked protests and events that eventually led to the creation of Labor Day in 1894. It is a day set aside to recognize and applaud the contributions of American laborers and their pivotal role in building and sustaining our country.
Today, we celebrate not only the labor movement of the past but also the dedication of professionals in every field — including dentistry. From dentists and dental teams to the many people who support practices behind the scenes, Labor Day is a chance to pause and appreciate the value of hard work.
A Few Facts about Labor Day
- Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 after nationwide labor strikes.
- The eight-hour workday was a key demand of the labor movement that led to the holiday.
- The first U.S. Labor Day parade took place in New York City in 1882 with more than 10,000 workers marching.
Beyond the Bite 