• Who Invented Labor Day?

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”There is no debate as to why, on the first Monday in September, the nation pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers. The message of Labor Day has been the same since it began, informally in 1882, and officially, as a federal holiday, in 1894: the great American worker is what makes America great. But there is an ongoing debate about who first proposed a national commemoration and celebration for workers. One side credits Peter McGuire, a carpenter from New York. ”Another claims Matthew McGuire (no relation), a machinist from New Jersey. It doesn't really matter now. Either or both deserve credit for thinking up what was then called a ‘workingman's holiday.’ ”During a recent radio interview in advance of Labor Day, Secretary Solis was asked: ‘Who came up with the idea of Labor Day?’ She gave a very diplomatic response, and replied: ‘Mr. McGuire.’” Source: USDOL

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