In 1894, when Labor Day was officially declared a federal holiday, the world was very different than it is today. Labor was truly labor 132 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. Wages went down, company profits went up — leading to the Gilded Age 1870-1900, where money was concentrated among a handful of wealthy industrialists such as the Rockefeller, Carnegie, Vanderbilt, and Morgan. Workers often worked punishing shifts for a wage that kept them in poverty. 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 working.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 162.18 million people are employed in the United States, and 3,376,293 of them are in Indiana. The fastest growing employment sectors include all healthcare workers, data scientists, and cybersecurity analysts, according to the BLS
As a national holiday, Labor Day on September 6 brings closures to all federal, state, and local government operations. There will be no mail service. All library branches will be closed.
On Saturday, Sept. 5 from noon-6 p.m. at Morris Bicentennial Plaza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse will transform into Indy LaborFest, a free-admission event featuring music, food trucks, beverages and a kid’s zone. The event is open to the public. Parking is available at the Virginia Avenue Garage located at 155 S. Delaware St.. In addition, street parking is available. There will be organizations offering information and career opportunities with a union trade and celebrate the hard work and dedication of the labor movement. Gainbridge is located at 125 S. Pennsylvania St. downtown.
