ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The end of August is here, meaning folks are now looking to Labor Day weekend. But what’s the history behind the holiday and how can you celebrate in Southwest Virginia?
A lot of people see Labor Day as the unofficial end to summer, a weekend of travel and shopping. But the root of the holiday is much more significant.
Observed on the first Monday of September every year, Labor Day celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers. Rooted in the Nineteenth century, a time when workers faced long hours, low wages and unsafe conditions, labor activists pushed for a day to recognize the contributions workers have made to America’s prosperity. Leading to benefits workers have today.
“The 40-hour work week, the right to have at least time and a half pay if you work over those 40 hours. The opportunity to have Union representation is much stronger than it has been in the past and like we talked about child labor. Not being able to grasp onto anybody possible to produce income for an employer or for a business that would result in harm or damage or issues to those individuals including things like OSHA rights,” said Western Virginia Area Labor Federation President, Chuck Simpson.
Labor Day became a U.S. federal holiday in 1894 when President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act. Although many states had already adopted the holiday before then.
“It was formed for workers and was based upon laws that had been passed and things that had changed to provide more workers rights and to do away with child labor. So, it given us an opportunity to grow, to celebrate it, a lot of people look at it as the official end of summer which it is but its also a chance for those folks who support workers’ rights and labor to get out and show their support in all different ways and fashions,” said Simpson.
Simpson also notes the importance of Union labor such as the Communications Workers of America and the Western Virginia Area Labor Federation. Which he said can provide services including establishing laws, advocation and representation for all workers not just those with a union card.
” When a local union is bargaining a contract or organizing to form a union or has the potential of going on strike or being on strike, we not only do political and legislative work on their behalf but we go out to the sites where they’re at. March with them, stand with them and promote their cause. Our idea is to help folks be able to bargain to talk about what do we need to do for wages? What do we need to do for benefits? Especially based on how much income that employee or employer is bringing in,” said Simpson.
In Roanoke, the Western Virginia Area Labor Federation is celebrating the holiday with its annual Labor Day parade. The event will include labor unions, law enforcement and emergency agencies, local organizations that support the working class and a special appearance from the Roanoke College Marching Band.
“It gives all our folks a chance to come together and come out and show their support and stand together as union brothers and sisters and our supporters. It’s a great chance for people who have been involved for years and even some folks who are retired to come together and talk about the times in the past and get together and see old friends they haven’t seen in a while,” said Simpson.
The Parade starts at noon Saturday, August 31. It begins at Campbell Ave and ends at the intersection with Williamson Rd.
Labor Day Weekend Events:
- Labor Day Weekend Stargazing – Natural Bridge State Park | August 30
- Saltville Labor Day Celebration – Saltville, VA | August 30-September 2
- 53rd Annual Labor Day Festival – Buena Vista | September 2
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