Sunday, September 6, 2009
Remember the Socialist Roots of Labor Day
| The first "Labor Day" in America was in 1882. The holiday did not become a national holiday untill years later. While you're out enjoying your day off, eating hot dogs and drinking beer, remember what the labor movement has done for you. The labor movement brought you the 8 hour work day, the 5 day work week, and institutionalized vacations as well as many other workers' rights in America. But don't forget the socialist roots of labor day. Though the holiday was first celebrated in in 1882, it wasn't untill 1894 that President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a national holiday. President Grover Cleveland ordered soliders to break up the Pullman Strike of 1894. After he broke up the strike, President Cleveland made reconcilliation with labor into a top political priority. That is when he declared Labor Day to be an official national holiday. The Pullman Strike involved 250,000 workers in 27 states. The leader of the strike was none other than American Railway Union leader and Socialist Party presidential candidate, Eugene V. Debs. Thanks to the workers who participated in the Pullman Strike, and to the leadership of card carrying socialist Eugene V. Debs, Labor Day has become one of America's most celebrated holidays. |
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