PEORIA, Ill. — Labor Day has been an official holiday in the United States since 1882, but many people may not know why there is a day in the calendar to honor laborers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the day was created to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers.
Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local Union 165 Business Manager Timothy Schmidgall gave his thoughts on the holiday.
“For me, being a labor leader in the Central Illinois area, it’s a celebration for area workers,” said Schmidgall. “Not only union workers, but all area workers.”
Schmidgall, who represents over 1,100 members in the area, says Labor Day also provides much deserved recognition.
“It’s a recognition for all the hard work that organized labor and the members that I represent do everyday,” said Schmidgall. “It’s just a recognition for the whole entire workers of America.”
It’s because of the labor unions that are celebrated on Labor Day, said Schmidgall, that American workers have a voice.
“It showed what kind of a voice and power the workers of America actually have,” he said. “[It showed] we can step up to Congress and ask to enact laws that protect workers of America.”
Schmidgall added that labor unions help to form a singular, unified voice for workers when voicing opinions on conditions and pay.
After Labor Day became an official holiday, labor unions fought for the 40-hour workweek and overtime pay.
“Overtime is a penalty for spending time away from the family,” said Schmidgall. “Not a lot of people realize that.”
For the first time in 20 years, there will be no Labor Day parade in Peoria due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, said Schmidgall.
Full interview with Timothy Schmidgall:
