Labor Day

The first Labor Day was held on September 5th, 1882 in New York City. It was planned by a group of workers who wanted to show everyone the different kinds of jobs and workers in New York City. They also wanted to show everyone how they made their hometown a nice place to live and work.

One hundred and twenty years ago, working was very different than it is today. For one thing, most children did not spend their summer reading or playing because many worked in factories. People, both young and old, worked long hours; some as long as 12 hours each day. Many workers fell asleep at their work because they were so tired. Some workers were hurt or killed because they were too tired to be careful at their work.

Workers were upset at how badly they were being treated. They decided to form unions. A union is made up of workers in a city, or workers who do the same kind of work. For example, many teachers may belong to a teachers’ union. As a union, workers have more power to make changes to their workplace. Unions worked with businesses to make all the changes we have today. The first Labor Day parade was to show how unions had the power to make good changes. Unions made it possible for children like you to spend your summer reading and playing.

1. The first Labor Day was held on September 5th, 1882. What did the workers who planned it want to show everyone?

• That labor is hard.

• That there are different kinds jobs and workers.

• That working is the only way to make money.

• That children shouln't have jobs.

The first Labor Day was held on September 5th, 1882 in New York City. It was planned by a group of workers who wanted to show everyone the different kinds of jobs and workers in New York City. They also wanted to show everyone how they made their hometown a nice place to live and work.

One hundred and twenty years ago, working was very different than it is today. For one thing, most children did not spend their summer reading or playing because many worked in factories. People, both young and old, worked long hours; some as long as 12 hours each day. Many workers fell asleep at their work because they were so tired. Some workers were hurt or killed because they were too tired to be careful at their work.

Workers were upset at how badly they were being treated. They decided to form unions. A union is made up of workers in a city, or workers who do the same kind of work. For example, many teachers may belong to a teachers’ union. As a union, workers have more power to make changes to their workplace. Unions worked with businesses to make all the changes we have today. The first Labor Day parade was to show how unions had the power to make good changes. Unions made it possible for children like you to spend your summer reading and playing.

2. Read these sentences from the text.

“The first Labor Day parade was to show how unions had the power to make good changes.”

How do unions help workers in their workplaces?

• A union is made up of workers in a city.

• Many teachers belong to a teacher's union.

• Unions help workers make changes to their workplace.

• Union give parades to workers on Labor Day.

The first Labor Day was held on September 5th, 1882 in New York City. It was planned by a group of workers who wanted to show everyone the different kinds of jobs and workers in New York City. They also wanted to show everyone how they made their hometown a nice place to live and work.

One hundred and twenty years ago, working was very different than it is today. For one thing, most children did not spend their summer reading or playing because many worked in factories. People, both young and old, worked long hours; some as long as 12 hours each day. Many workers fell asleep at their work because they were so tired. Some workers were hurt or killed because they were too tired to be careful at their work.

Workers were upset at how badly they were being treated. They decided to form unions. A union is made up of workers in a city, or workers who do the same kind of work. For example, many teachers may belong to a teachers’ union. As a union, workers have more power to make changes to their workplace. Unions worked with businesses to make all the changes we have today. The first Labor Day parade was to show how unions had the power to make good changes. Unions made it possible for children like you to spend your summer reading and playing.

3. What is the main idea of this text?

• What is a Union?

• What is Labor Day?

• What is the history of Labor Day?

• What do children have to do with unions?