In 1894, when Labor Day was officially declared a federal holiday, the world was very different than it is today. Labor was truly labor 130 years ago — despite increased industrialization and machines, many jobs still required muscle-power, were dangerous and dirty, and there were no protections for the average worker. Work days were often 12 hours, 7 days a week, with no paid holidays off. People left the farms behind for the big cities with the promise of jobs, only to discover that everyone else had the same idea, which drove down wages. The labor unions began to gain power in the late 1800s, organizing workers for better pay and safer conditions. They were instrumental in getting the 40 hour week established, ensuring bargaining rights, and demanding safety measures on the factory floor.
The first Labor Day celebrations involved parades organized by unions, picnics, and other public events. Many times there were political speeches and fundraising raffles, and most families could relax and enjoy a day without labor.
On Monday, September 2, while most people are hurrying back from a mini-vacation or enjoying family time in the back yard, they should take a few moments to thank the men and women who organized and fought for the rights of workers those many years ago. The record high of 17.7 million labor union members in 1983 constituted about 20% if the population, but in 2023, labor union membership had fallen to 10%. Much of the decline in union membership has been attributed to the loss of industrial jobs to automation and overseas labor competition, and to the shift in work from the factory to the office and service sector.
Despite the de-unionization of America, there has been a renewed interest in union organizing of service workers. According to the Pew Research Center, 54% of adults in the United States say that the decline of unions in the country are bad for the nation and 59% state that the decline has been bad for working people.
As a federal holiday, all federal, state, and local offices will be closed. Trash will be picked up on a sliding schedule (Monday pickup will be on Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday, and so on). All Indianapolis Public Library locations will be closed except the InfoZone, located within The Children’s Museum at 3000 N. Meridian St., which will be open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Weekly View office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 3 so we can enjoy time with our family and friends. Deadlines for retail ads will by Aug. 30 and classified on Sept. 3 at noon.
