ICYMI: From Patheos: Happy “I’m Sorry We Shot Those Strikers” Day!
Thanks to Judy Tuggle for sending us this.
By LIBBY ANNE
It’s Labor Day! You know, that holiday we’ve all forgotten has the word “labor” in it! Labor, as in the labor movement. Who knew! Labor Day is just a fun three day weekend at the end of the summer, am I right? Mind you, I’m not complaining. I love me a three-day weekend! But just what is the history of Labor Day?
You probably know that the Industrial Revolution brought along with it low wages, 16-hour work days, six or even seven-day work weeks, and terrible working conditions. People resisted by forming unions and demanding higher wages and shorter working days—in other words, it was the birth of the labor movement. Making headway was extremely difficult. When people went on strike, companies sought to suppress these strikes, often violently. And then there was the government to contend with.