What is Labor Day and Just Who is Laboring the Hardest?

Labor Day.  It's coming up Monday, but exactly how did we get this holiday complete with a paid day off?  According to the US Department of Labor, Labor Day rolls around every year on the first Monday in September.  It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Well, just who got this fantastic idea off the ground?  Apparently even after more than 100 years since the first observance, there is still some doubt as to just who got the ball rolling.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

No matter how it started, it's only fitting that we recognize those that truly spend their days "at hard labor."  So we've listed what we've deemed "The Hard Working Jobs in America."  Please note that these are the most "physically demanding" jobs and not those that would bring on the "most stress" or "mental labor."

In no particular order, here's what we've come up: Construction Workers, Freight Handlers (cargo, loading dock, trucks, aircraft, trucks) Soldiers, Loggers, Oil Rig Workers, Foundry Workers, Firefighters, Fishermen, Farmers, Electric Linemen, Police Officers, Railroad Linemen and Masons.

I'm sure we've missed several hard working occupations and for that we apologize, but please know...this day is for all of you hard workers and we're extremely grateful for the job you do!