Happy Labor Day!
In honor of Labor Day ... we recommend you take the DAY OFF from laboring!!
In the 1830s, half a century before the better-known mass movements for workers' rights in the United States, the women working at the Lowell Mill (located in Lowell, MA) organized, went on strike and mobilized within politics when women couldn't even vote. They created the first union of working women in American history.
Today, as the Goddess Community, we want to highlight the women who have fought for the rights and equal treatment of laborers and workers worldwide. Much progress has been made, (always celebrate the wins!) AND there is much to do.
We stand for and support women in the workplace being recognized and paid consistent with the contribution they make, as well as appreciating and supporting those women who work in the home.
Read on to learn more about Labor Day, its origins and the women who have contributed in big ways to the workers' rights we have today.
*Photo: Labor Day parade. Women on float of the Women's Auxiliary Typographical Union.
New York City, September 6, 1909
Did You Know:
The Origin of Labor Day
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September in any given year (i.e. a single day from September 1 through September 7) to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday.
By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially celebrated Labor Day. Canada's Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September.
Learn
Women in the Labor Movement:Nat'l Park Service—Women's History
"Women’s work has powered American history, but it hasn’t always been easy. Here you can find the stories of people and places that have been part of the struggle to make life better for women at work.
Some of these women came together in unions to demand fair pay and safe working conditions. They took to the streets in strikes and boycotts to make their voices heard. Others fought in courtrooms and meeting rooms for laws and policies that would protect women workers and give them a fair shake.
Often, their struggles connected to broader fights against racism and sexism and for a fairer society."
