Most students see Labor Day as just a day off from school. However, the holiday is more than just a time for fun and relaxation. It is a historical and political movement.
University of Memphis history professor Charles W. Crawford said the U.S. Congress made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894, almost 30 years after the Civil War.
“Labor Day was started by people who were in the labor union(s)... about 10 years before President Glover Cleveland made it a federal holiday,” he said. “Labor Day was preserved to honor the nation and families of working people by having festivals, spending time with families or taking weekend vacations.”
Hurricane Katrina, however, has interrupted some student plans on the widely celebrated day.
“I work, but I usually go to Destin, Fla., but now there are all these hurricanes, (so) I couldn’t go,” said Ashley Williams, a U of M sophomore.
As of July 2005, 150 million people from age 16 or older are in the nation’s labor force, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Some students who work and go to school say that getting a day off is not applicable to them, but others look forward to a paid holiday.
“I will be working this Labor Day but don’t get that time and a half,” said Cynthia Gray, a U of M sophomore. “I will at least have to work over 40 hours in order to get paid time and a half.”
Gray said that she would take her eight-hour holiday pay within 60 days because she works for the government.
While some U of M students may be working, Kevin Kelley, a mechanical engineering major, will enjoy this holiday weekend.
“Labor Day to me is a national holiday that you get out of school and off work,” he said.
Most U of M students said that they spend time with their families and friends and just enjoy the day off by getting together for picnics and good food.
“I usually kick back and relax,” said Tammy Williams, a U of M education major. “I take advantage of a free day. I eat barbeque. I just have fun at the house.”
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Labor Day is a tribute to the creator of the nation’s strength, freedom and leadership - the American Worker. “It’s beneficial,” Crawford said.
