Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? -Kenneth C. Davis

In the United States and Canada, the first Monday of September is a federal holiday, Labor Day. Originally celebrated in New York City's Union Square in 1882, Labor Day was organized by unions as a rare day of rest for the overworked during the Industrial Revolution. Kenneth C. Davis illustrates the history of Labor Day from Union Square to today.

Lesson by Kenneth C. Davis, animation by TED-Ed.

[Takwolf]

"People worked 12 hour days, 6 days a week without fringe benefits like vacation, health care and pensions."
I know people doing that now.
Happy labor day

[syddiallo]

I agree, every lesson in history class should be delivered this way, kids can't complain about the teacher being boring.

[lamichiganr]

*The Workers have to always fight, because the Owner Class sees us all as a commodity and subhuman.*

[ShawnRavenfire]

A lot of the American business owners are STILL doing everything they can to keep unions out. My first job was in a factory where it didn't matter if we were hired for full-time or part-time or which shift. They just suddenly announced that everyone had to work eight and a half hours, seven days a week, with no raises or benefits. They even showed videos showing how much better off we were without a union.

[viewsfromthestyx]

Great vid! Worthwhile to point out that Ottawa and Toronto held parallel labour day parades since 1872. Peter J McGuire actually attended the Toronto parade where he got the idea to hold a similar one in NYC a decade later.

[chosenone]

good too know!! Ill be working all day tommorow on labor day now I can understand and appreciate the humane laws protecting me as an American worker thank you :)

[DRIvINRAIN]

I wonder how many people know that Labor Day is a Holiday based on Protesters? Have a Happy Labor Day. And a big thanks to all the workers that are still keeping America going.

[plurallove]

We celebrate Labor Day too in the Philippines.

[oayabacnhoj]

I was a nice touch putting a u in the word labour for Canadian Labour Day.

[nathaliasilva]

In Brazil, Labor's Day is May 1st!

[righturnonly]

Now it just stands for The opening of football season, and a barbeque .Thank you Ted.

[okeanos]

May Day on May 1st is the real Labor Day (May 1, 1886).

[Patatadelahuerta]

I wanted to do an English lesson on this and I believe my students will find this video really useful, thank you!

[francismausley]

Bless all who serve others in these difficult times... "...all effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity." ~ Baha'i Faith

[MsBitterUnicorn]

In Europe we also have the holiday, but it`s on May 1st.

[obverkid]

In most countries around the world it's celebrated on May 1st, the official International Workers Day in memory of the Haymarket events. The USA/Canada just decided to move the celebration to another day to avoid the political (anti-government) connotations of IWD.

[gerry]

This year it’s so important to remember

[TheChunkyluver]

Not to deny the fact that unions can help greatly they can also have their set backs particularly for the individual.

[MrColoratus]

I really like the art style of this video, it is really relaxing and comfortable!

[NellieKAdaba]

I agree, I know about Europe, I'm from Brussels, Belgium, but living in the US since 1994 (age 13) up until now. I prefer May 1st.