This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Donna Haverty-Stacke, Professor of History and Roosevelt House Faculty Associate at Hunter College, City University of New York, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the intertwined history of May Day and Labor Day. She explored the origins of these labor holidays, their evolving significance and how they reflect broader changes in the American labor movement.
Haverty-Stacke traced the roots of May Day to the 1886 demonstrations for the eight-hour workday, which saw tens of thousands of workers marching in cities across the United States. This event, born out of the harsh working conditions of the Second Industrial Revolution, became a pivotal moment in labor history. However, she noted the Haymarket Affair in Chicago days later led to May Day becoming associated with more radical labor elements, while mainstream unions sought a less controversial holiday.
The professor explained how Labor Day, first celebrated in 1882, emerged as an alternative to May Day for American workers. As May Day became increasingly linked with socialist and anarchist movements, the American Federation of Labor, under Samuel Gompers, embraced Labor Day as a way to demonstrate the respectability and patriotism of American workers. She said this shift reflected the AFL's strategy to gain legitimacy and negotiate with progressive reformers and the government for labor protections.
Haverty-Stacke highlighted how the Cold War era further marginalized May Day in the United States, with groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion organizing competing events such as Loyalty Day. Meanwhile, Labor Day evolved into a celebration of workers' leisure time, reflecting the success of the labor movement in securing better working conditions and wages.
Listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of how these labor holidays shaped and were shaped by the American labor movement.