Labor day

What is Labour Day exactly? Labour Day is significant in the United States. It is a federal holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and serve as a tribute to the contributions of workers and the labor movement. However, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1 in many other countries. Labor Day recognizes the efforts of workers who fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and labor rights. Now, Labor Day is celebrated by over 60 countries; that's amazing. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Qatar and Saudi Arabia do not celebrate Labor Day. Wonder why? They are infamous for lacking workers' rights and poor working conditions. But I do hope the best for them.

The origins of Labour Day and Labor Day originated in the late 19th century, during a time when the industrial revolution was booming in the United States. Workers often endured long work hours, low salaries, an unsafe working state, and suffering to pay for their life needs. One of the turns of events that contributed to the establishment of Labor Day was the Haymarket Affair in 1886, where a very peaceful labor democracy in Chicago turned violent. Such incidents brought national attention to the labor movement and the plight of workers. They were leading to the creation of Labour Day as a federal holiday. Who knew that this violence could lead to the creation of Labor Day? I thought violence wasn't the answer, but it must have been shocking and relieving for the people at that time.

On September 5, 1882, the Central Labor Union in New York City organized a parade to showcase the strength of and demand for the working class. States began recognizing Labour Day, with Oregon the first to pass a law in 1887. More states followed the example, but it wasn't yet an international holiday. Following the Pullman strike 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation into law, making Labour Day a federal holiday. It was designated the first Monday in September to celebrate hard workers' achievements.

Labour Day is the one day we generously acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, we all deserve a break too.

• Precious N. T  CS1