Brooklyn, NY – Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the contributions that movement has made to this country. On September 5, 1882, New York City celebrated the first ever Labor Day.[1] The Federal Government made the day a national holiday in 1894.[2]

Since then, Labor Day has been celebrated in early September. In addition to commemorating the power of the working-class, the holiday also heralds the unofficial end of Summer.

This year, the Labor movement faced a stiff challenge at the Federal level due to the US Supreme Court ruling on the Janus v. AFSCME case. The court’s decision was a devastating blow against public sector unions, barring them from charging “agency fees” to the public employees for whom they negotiate pay increases and benefit bumps if those employees decline to join the union as full members.[3]

As we celebrate today, let us remember that the Labor movement added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy.

1. https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

2. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day

3. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/06/janus-afscme-public-sector-unions/563879/

Links and Articles about the Recent Supreme Court Decision on Janus v AFSCME Case

CNBC

Chicago Tribune