Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 in response to the late 19th century labor movement. It pays tribute to the achievements and contributions of laborers and unions.
A major success of the labor movement was the creation of the eight-hour work day and 40-hour work week, established in 1916 by the United States Adamson act. An eight hour work day was conceived to allow eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.
Happy Labor Day!