Dear Commons Community,

Labor Day recognizes the contributions and achievements of working people. The holiday originated during a dark time for America’s labor movement; during the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800s, American workers organized to fight for fair wages and humane working conditions. They were met by federal troops and violent repression. To make amends, Congress made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894.

Working people were key to our country’s development and labor unions gave those workers a voice. It was the power of organized labor that brought us the 40-hour work week, lunch breaks, safer working conditions, and a minimum wage. 

Today we can recommit to expanding workers’ rights and moving forward as a country that works for everyone.

Tony

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