Yes, Labor Day means a day off for many, but what does the holiday really mean? Use these resources to take your students on a look back to the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of Labor Day in 1894 to honor the unions who fought for the rights of the working class. Also explore the current role of unions and learn about the process of negotiations.
Labor Day’s Violent Roots: The Hard Won Fight for Your Three-Day Weekend
In this KQED Lowdown explainer learn why the official Labor Day celebration in September was intentionally divorced from its radical roots.
Labor Day | All About the Holidays
Take students on a look back to the Industrial Revolution and the establishment of Labor Day in 1894 to honor the unions who fought for the rights of the working class with this quick video.
News Hour Labor Day Lesson Plan
This PBS NewsHour Extra Labor Day lesson plan provides information on the contemporary role of the unions and outlines how to take students further in a simulation about the process of negotiations.
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