The United States will observe Labor Day on September 1, a holiday dedicated to recognizing the contributions of the labor movement and American workers. The origins of national unions date back to 1866 with the formation of the National Labor Union (NLU) by William Sylvis. At that time, about 200,000 workers belonged to local unions across the country. The NLU aimed to advance labor issues beyond wages and hours into politics but dissolved after the economic downturn known as the Panic of 1873.
In 1869, the Knights of Labor formed as an inclusive organization admitting women and African Americans. By 1886, it had grown to 750,000 members and advocated for child labor restrictions and government ownership of key industries. That year saw significant conflict during demonstrations for an eight-hour workday, including violence at Haymarket Square in Chicago that resulted in multiple deaths.
Following these events, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) emerged as a major force in organizing strikes and advocating for worker rights. Over time, legislative victories such as the Keating-Owen Act—which sought to restrict child labor—the Norris-LaGuardia Act banning certain anti-union contracts, and the creation of the Department of Labor in 1913 shaped workplace standards.
The Great Depression spurred further change when President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration passed New Deal legislation like the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1933. This act established minimum wages and maximum hours while guaranteeing private-sector workers’ rights to unionize—a foundation for modern labor law later reinforced by subsequent legislation after parts were struck down by courts.
By World War II’s end, more than twelve million Americans were union members due largely to efforts from groups like Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). In 1938, passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act guaranteed federal protections including minimum wage laws and limitations on child labor.
Unions also played roles in broader social movements such as those leading up to passage of civil rights laws banning workplace discrimination based on race or gender. Worker safety received greater attention with enactment of federal laws like OSHA in 1970 following decades marked by industrial accidents.
However, not all workers received equal protection under federal law—agricultural laborers remained excluded from some collective bargaining rights but continued organizing through actions like California’s Delano Grape Strike led by United Farm Workers (UFW), eventually winning state-level bargaining rights though gaps remain nationwide.
In Florida during the late 1960s, teachers protested low pay and funding cuts with a historic statewide walkout involving around 35,000 educators. Their efforts contributed to new rules requiring negotiations between school boards and teachers’ representatives—paving way for broader public employee bargaining rights through Florida’s Public Employee Relations Act in 1974.
Later developments included laws supporting disabled workers’ accommodations and job-protected family leave at a national level. Despite these gains, challenges persist: many American families struggle financially; child labor protections face threats; union membership is targeted politically; and comprehensive parental leave remains absent from U.S. law.
“Through unions, we’ve transformed workplaces, won dignity, and reshaped our democracy,” said representatives reflecting on these changes. “By the power of our collective voice, we will continue pushing toward a future where every educator, education staff professional, nurse, postal worker, transit employee—and every worker who keeps our communities running—can live the American Dream.”
“At the core of our work as educators and unionists is a simple truth: we do this for our students and for the future we all deserve,” they added. “Labor Day should serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and why we must never stop moving forward.”
Floridians are encouraged to participate in AFL-CIO-organized events across their communities this year.
