USA, — The Labor Day holiday was created more than 100 years ago. Since then, it has evolved into the unofficial end to summer, capped off with a cookout. But decades ago it looked very different.
A video from the US Department of Labor shows a timeline of events leading up to modern-day Labor Day.
According to the History website, it all started back in the late 1800s at the height of the Industrial Revolution. At that time the average American worked 12 hours a day seven days a week. Kids as young as five worked too.
That is until the tides began to shift. As manufacturing increased, labor unions were created, and renegotiations over hours and pay began. Also, strikes and rallies took off, some of which turned violent.
The year 1887 brought about the beginning of the end when Oregon became the first state to recognize Labor Day. Other states followed suit and by 1894 it became a national holiday.
Fast forward over 100 years, and Americans are still striking. Winston-Salem AT&T union workers are one of the latest to go on strike in the Triad over bargaining decisions.
RELATED: Hotel workers in 8 tourist cities walk off the job as strike over pay begins over Labor Day weekend
RELATED: Here's why we celebrate Labor Day
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.