Labor Day is around the corner, but why do we celebrate it when we do? Here's the answer. -- KPRC2 LaborDay
Numerous states adopted a bill to observe Labor Day, beginning with Oregon in 1887. As of 1894, 23 states passed legislation to recognize Labor Day, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
But pressure grew in 1894 when workers from the Pullman Palace Car Company walked out to strike against the owner for mistreatment, compromising the entire railroad system in the U.S. The owner was later found guilty for intentionally lowering workers’ pay, increasing work hours, and firing workers for no prior reason, The New York Times reported.
Congress took action in 1894 to pass an act to observe Labor Day on the first Monday of September. President Cleveland signed the law on June 28, 1894, marking a victory to workers rights all over the U.S. So before you make your last trip to the water park for the summer or fire up the barbecue, be sure to reflect how far we’ve come towards labor rights.A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 2, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.