Does anyone even remember why Labor Day exists? For millions of workers, Labor Day is another day on the job. The law actually does not require employers to pay any wage premium when they force their employees to work on Labor Day, or any other national holiday. This means that many of the people grilling burgers at fast food restaurants, staffing the checkout counter at convenience stores, or cleaning the bathrooms in hotels, get the same hourly pay when they are forced to work on Labor Day, as they do any other day of the year.
Background
The first Labor Day parade occurred Septempber 5, 1882, in New York City. Its origins stem from the desire of the Central Labor Union to create a holiday for workers. It became a federal holiday in 1894. It was originally intended that the day would be filled with a street parade to allow the public to appreciate the work of the trade and labor organizations. After the parade, a festival was to be held to amuse local workers and their families. In later years, prominent men and women held speeches. This is less common now, but is sometimes seen in election years. One of the reasons for choosing to celebrate this on the first Monday in September was to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. The idea spread across the country, and some states designated Labor Day as a holiday before the federal holiday was created.
What Do People Do?
Labor Day is a day of rest or the last chance for many people to get one last trip to the beach or have one last cookout before the weather starts to turn colder. There may be some congestion on highways and at airports. For students, it is the last chance to organize parties before school starts again. In some neighborhoods, people organize fireworks displays, public arts or sports events. The football season starts on or around Labor Day and many teams play their first game of the year during Labor Day weekend.
Traditionally, people did not wear white clothes, particularly shoes, after Labor day. However, this custom is slowly dying out. More and more people now wear white all year round, rather than just in the summer. Similarly, it is the custom to wear a straw cowboy hat from Memorial Day until Labor Day, then a felt one until Memorial Day comes around again.
Public Life
After campaigning in Michigan for 11 days in the months leading up to the November 2008 election, President Barack Obama has returned to the state of Michigan seven times and will return Monday as part of Detroit’s Labor Day celebration.
Why labor to detail your vehicle when you can get it done professionally. DetailXPerts is celebrating Labor Day by giving a FREE detailing service to anyone interested. Bring your vehicle in for professional detailing services in the period of September 5th – 10th, and you will receive a voucher for a free detailing of the same vehicle, valid until December 31.
