In 1894, when Labor Day was officially declared a federal holiday, the world was very different than it is today. Labor was truly labor 125 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. People left the farms behind for the big cities with the promise of jobs, only to discover that everyone else had the same idea. 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.
The current state of labor is very different than in 1894 at the height of the Gilded Age. Back then, the workforce was mainly comprised of men in factory work and manual labor, or farming. As the Industrial Revolution evolved, administrative and clerical jobs started growing, and as stores grew larger, retail became a vocation for many. Women often found jobs in domestic service, teaching and nursing. Today, workers are often in offices, working in tech, healthcare, information services, and hospitality while factory work has become more automated. The working market is also more fragmented, with gig workers, independent contractors, and remote workers doing what they can to get by. Skilled tradespeople and manual laborers are very much in demand as people gravitated away from physical labor to indoors work.
On Monday, September 1, 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. In 2016, about 14.6 million workers nationwide belonged to unions, down from the record high of 17.7 million in 1983. Much of the decline in union membership has been attributed to the loss of industrial jobs to automation and overseas labor competition.
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 for the day.
The Weekly View office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 so we can enjoy time with our family and friends. Deadlines for retail ads will by Aug. 29 and classified on Sept. 2 at noon.
