What is Labor Day? Know its History, Significance, Facts & More

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Curious about Labor Day?  In this video, we dive into the history, significance, and key facts about this important holiday. Discover its origins, why we celebrate it, and how it has evolved over the years. Whether you’re looking to understand its historical roots or simply want to impress your friends with some fun facts, this is your go-to guide! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights!

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00:00The Labor Day, also known as International Workers' Day, International Labor Day, and May Day,

00:06is celebrated every year on May 1 in numerous countries worldwide to honor workers' contributions.

00:12The day originated from the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886, where workers protested for an eight-hour workday.

00:19It is a time to recognize the achievements and struggles of the labor movement in advocating for fair wages,

00:25safe working conditions, and workers' rights.

00:28International Labor Day is globally celebrated on May 1 every year.

00:32Each year on the first Monday in September, the U.S. Department of Labor observes Labor Day as a federal holiday

00:39honoring the social and economic achievements of American workers.

00:43The day is often marked by parades, demonstrations, and other events advocating for workers' rights and fair labor practices,

00:49history of Labor Day.

00:51In the late 1800s, American industry was booming with the rise of factories and mass production,

00:57leading to increased demand for labor.

00:59However, the workers who made it all possible were facing tough times.

01:03Many were toiling long hours in factories and mines, sometimes as young as five or six years old.

01:09The conditions were crowded, poorly ventilated, and often dangerous.

01:13Therefore, a few labor leaders, like Peter J. McGuire and Matthew McGuire,

01:17began to advocate for better working conditions and fair wages for workers.

01:21They proposed a workingman's holiday to be celebrated on the first Monday of September.

01:26The idea caught on, and in 1882, a parade of 10,000 workers marched through the streets of New York City,

01:33taking unpaid time off to show their strength and unity.

01:37This was the first Labor Day celebration in U.S. history.

01:40Labor Day Celebration

01:42In different countries, May Day or Labor Day is observed on different dates.

01:46Like in the United States, Labor Day is observed in September.

01:50In India, celebrating Labor Day was the first initiative taken by the Labor Kisan Party of Hindustan,

01:56wherein Comrade Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, founder of the First Trade Union,

02:01arranged two meetings to celebrate the day.

02:04Who founded Labor Day, McGuire or McGuire?

02:07The origins of Labor Day are intertwined with two prominent figures, Peter McGuire and Matthew McGuire.

02:13Both men were passionate advocates for workers' rights in the late 19th century

02:17and played significant roles in the labor movement.

02:20Peter McGuire is often credited with proposing the idea of Labor Day as a federal holiday.

02:26He co-founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters

02:29and was instrumental in establishing the American Federation of Labor AFL.

02:33McGuire reportedly suggested the holiday during a meeting of the New York Central Labor Union on May 12, 1882,

02:40envisioning a day of celebration marked by a parade to showcase the strength of labor organizations.

02:46His contributions to labor rights and the push for an eight-hour workday have led many to honor him as the father of Labor Day.

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