On the first Monday of September, our nation dedicates a day to the social and economic achievements of American workers. Labor Day serves as a yearly celebration of the contributions workers have made to the success, strength, and overall welfare of our country.

Many celebrate this long-weekend with cookouts, parades, and a well-deserved snooze. While Labor Day may symbolize the end of summer, there are still plenty of achievements made by American workers to commemorate. Below we share some fun facts about this holiday to share over hot dogs or during halftime.

Did you know:

• The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882. However, it wasn’t until 1884 that the holiday moved to a Monday and was deemed “workingmen’s holiday.”
• At the height of the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, the average American worked 12-hour days seven days a week.
• As of May 2016, more than 158 million people ages 16 and over are part of the Nation’s labor force.
• In 2014, workers commuted an average of 26 minutes to work with more than 76% hitting the road alone.
• Though Labor Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years, Peter J. McGuire, secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, and Matthew Maguire, a machinist, both claim to have founded the holiday.

Celebrate & Stay Safe

While you’re celebrating Labor Day, don’t forget to refer to our safe summer tipsheet. If you have an urgent legal matter, you can contact our firm by dialing (877) 377-5411.

Sources: History.com, U.S. Department of Commerce, InfoPlease