FIRST, A BIT OF HISTORY
Labor Day is always observed on the first Monday of September. This will be September 2 this year. It’s a celebration of workers, but it grew out of one of the most dismal chapters of American labor history – an unstable period when manufacturing was replacing agriculture .
During the Industrial Revolution in the United States in the late 1800s, the average American worked 12 hours a day, 7 days a week – to barely eke out an existence. Children as young as 5 or 6 worked in factories and mills at only a fraction of adult wages.
Work conditions were often unsafe and unsanitary. Labor unions had already begun to appear in the latter part of the 18th century, but quickly became more prominent and vocal. In 1886, several Chicago policemen and workers were killed in a workers’ riot.
On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers held a march in New York City , the first Labor Day parade in the United States.
On May 11, 1894, employees of Pullman railway cars in Chicago went on strike to protest low wages and firing of union representatives. But, on June 26, the American Railway Union staged a boycott of all Pullman railway cars. This crippled railroad transportation nationwide.
The federal government then sent troops to Chicago to break the strike, which led to the deaths of 30 workers. President Grover Cleveland and our Congress had to do something. On June 28, 1894, Cleveland signed into law an act to make Labor Day an official holiday.
This video will provide more details on Labor Day history.
AMAZON
This post will be a departure from my customary practice of writing fitness or related articles with relevant links included. As an affiliate marketer, I need to promote specials on several important holidays during the year. Affiliate marketers earn from promoting links to associated companies. Amazon is known for fair pricing and excellent service. At times, they run specials and such links will be shown below.
For information on affiliate marketing, see my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER.
These links will include sports categories and, as always – details, pictures and price information will be included.
Electric scooter – 40% off
Women’s high waist yoga pants with pockets– 27% off
Nordic Track treadmill – 20% off
Inflatable stand up paddle board with accessories – 17% off
Gym/duffel bag for women – 48% off
Sports bra – 26% off
Walking pad, with incline – 40% off
Men’s quick dry running/workout shorts – 39% off
Women’s high waist running shorts with pockets – 20% off
Coleman Sundome camping tent – 38% off
Indoor cycling bike – 26% off
Toddler bike – 15% off
Women’s knit sweater and pants lounge/track suit – 50% off
Women’s workout shorts, 5 pack – 43% off
Inflatable gymnastics mat – 15% off
High waisted bikini sets – 19% off
Mini trampoline – 23% off
Knee brace for pain relief – 23% off
Pull-up resistance bands – 34% off
Women’s hoodie jacket – 20% off
Home rowing machine – 40% off
Stadium seats with back support – 15% off
Camping chair – 30% off
Memory foam roll up camping mattress– 19% off
Oversize golf umbrella – 41% off
Rangefinder for golf or hunting – 51% off
Under desk elliptical machine – 35% off
Ankle brace – 20% off
Women’s pleated tennis skirt with shorts – 20% off
Women’s high waisted workout leggings – 31% off
TRX suspension full body workout system – 18% off
FINAL THOUGHTS
First thought – don’t be one of these (see below)
Second thought – enjoy Amazon’s Labor Day specials and Labor Day itself!
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.