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Student Discussion: Labor Day Throughout the Years

Many argue that since 1894, Labor Day has lost much of its original meaning. In terms of popular culture, the holiday represents an opportunity for a three-day weekend, retail bargains and (per fashion rules) the last day to wear white. Throughout the last 120 years, the labor landscape has changed tremendously, from labor laws to workforce demographics. The jobs have changed, the wages have changed, and the markets have changed.

Use the following talking points to guide student discussion and help kids understand the true meaning of the holiday:


What is Labor Day? 

Labor Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of American Labor Movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. 


How Has the Workforce Changed in the Last Century?

The HR Hero Line article "Labor Day can be reminder of how workforce has changed" offers readers data on changes that have occurred from the first Labor Day through 2013. 

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that as of 2013, the U.S. workforce was comprised of 155.7 million people age 16 and older. Today's 10 largest occupations differ significantly from the top 10 in 1910. The report notes how one century has drastically changed the type of work Americans do. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2012 the top 10 occupations were:

  • Retail (340,000);
  • Cashiers (3,314,010);
  • Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food (2,943,810);
  • Office clerks, general (2,808,100);
  • Registered nurses (2,633,980);
  • Waiters and waitresses (2,332,020);
  • Customer service representatives (2,299,750);
  • Laborers and freight, stock and material movers, hand (2,143,940);
  • Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners (2,097,380); and
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical and executive (2,085,680).

In 1910, top occupations included:

  • Farmers, owners and tenants (6,132,000);
  • Farm laborers, wageworkers (2,832,000);
  • Farm laborers, unpaid family workers (2,514,000);
  • Operatives and kindred workers, manufacturing (2,318,000);
  • Laborers, nonmanufacturing industries (2,210,000);
  • Laborers, manufacturing (1,487,000);
  • Salesmen and sales clerks, retail trade (1,454,000);
  • Housekeepers, private household – living out (1,338,000);
  • Managers, officials and proprietors, retail trade (1,119,000); and
  • Mine operatives and laborers, crude petroleum and natural gas extraction (907,000).


Are We Better Off Now?

In the Huffington Post article "9 Ways We're Better Off Now Than We Were on the First Labor Day (And 5 Ways We're Not)," writer Caroline Fairchild looks at how the workforce, labor laws and more have changed since 1894.

For example, it wasn't until 1938 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which set a minimum hourly wage of 25 cents. The article also noted that in 1935, President Roosevelt advocated for financial security, thus creating Social Security for workers. 

In the second portion of the article, Fairchild looks at issues with which the workforce still struggles, including the minimum wage, paid sick leave, workplace discrimination and gender pay gaps. 

Related resource

Labor Day Lessons and Resources
 

Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor
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