The Workers Who Inspired Labor Day

Labor Day is a time each year when Americans celebrate hard workers and their contributions to the nation’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. But labor looked a lot different when this nation first began than it does today, and none of those changes would be possible without some determined and inspirational people along the way.

Mary Harris Jones – “Mother Jones” (1837 – 1930)

Born in Ireland, Mother Jones moved to America and became a schoolteacher and dressmaker before becoming a prominent labor and community organizer. She organized several strikes and protests, especially in the mining and textile industries. She was also a champion for child labor laws and led the infamous “Children’s Crusade” march in 1903 to bring attention to the nation about the exploitation of children in factories and mines.

Mother Jones earned the nickname “the most dangerous woman in America” by those opposed to labor reforms. At the age of 83, during the West Virginia mine wars, Jones was arrested and charged with conspiring to commit murder. When the judge asked if she had anything to say, she replied, “I hope to live long enough to be a thorn in your side. And the side of all your successors, as well.”

Despite her progressive beliefs, Mother Jones did not advocate for women’s suffrage. She felt oppression of the working class was a bigger concern.

Peter J. McGuire (1852–1906)

Peter J. McGuire is known as the “father” of Labor Day, not only for his efforts to establish labor unions, but because he proposed the idea of having a national holiday to celebrate the working class. Because of his efforts, the first celebration was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City.

McGuire co-founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He was also an advocate for child labor laws and eight-hour workdays.

Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926)

Aside from being a trade unionist, Debs was also a political activist who ran for president five times as a candidate for the Socialist Party. He is also the only candidate to have run for president from prison. Debs organized the American Railway Union, which held the Pullman Strike of 1894 that called for a nationwide boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars. It was one of the largest strikes in American history.

Debs’ progressive ideals landed him in prison after he spoke out against World War I, saying, “The working class have never yet had a voice in declaring war. If war is right, let it be declared by the people – you, who have your lives to lose.” Those were very serious words, and, at the time, expressing such sentiment could get someone in legal trouble. The day after his speech, the headline in the Chicago Tribune read: “Debs Wakes Up Howling At War; U.S. May Get Him.” Another newspaper headline declared: “Debs Invites Arrest.”

Although he was arrested and convicted, that didn’t stop Debs from running (for the fifth time) for president in 1920 – he just did so from Atlanta Prison. A campaign poster boasted the slogan, “From Atlanta Prison to the White House, 1920,” and a popular button showed him in prison clothes standing outside the prison gates. A caption on the button read, “For President Convict No. 9653.” He received nearly one million votes that year.

Frances Perkins (1880 – 1965)

Frances Perkins was the first female Cabinet member. She served as secretary of labor from 1933 to 1954 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, where 146 workers were killed in a New York factory, inspired Perkins to dedicate her life to improving working conditions. Most of the tragic deaths occurred due to inadequate safety regulations and locked doors. Ms. Perkins created and implemented New Deal policies including federal laws regulating child labor, unemployment insurance, and the Social Security Act.

A. Philip Randolph (1889 – 1979)

Randolph organized and led the first predominantly black labor union to fight for better wages and conditions for black railroad porters. Because of his strong advocacy, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802 which banned discrimination in the defense industries during World War II. His efforts also led to the end of segregation in the armed forces.

Changing the Landscape of American Labor

Throughout the last few centuries, the battle for fair wages, reasonable hours, and safe working conditions would likely not have been as successful without pioneers like Mother Jones, Peter J. McGuire, and Eugene V. Debs. They not only led strikes and organized unions, but also inspired a movement that forever changed the landscape of American labor.