Putting Labor Day in perspective

A look at history and the present plight of workers

Significant.

Labor day was created to celebrate the accomplishmen ts of american workers.

Struggling economy and millions unemployed, this holiday feels different from the past.

Kimt news 3's isabella basco joins us live with a look at the significance.

George and katie ?

"* the haymarket riot in 1886 was a labor protest rally in chicago that turned into a riot when someone threw a bomb at police.

Events like that inspired labor day.

But think of what's happened in cities this summer, with troops being sent to stop riots.

One history expert tells me this holiday has never been more relevant.

"it's a discouraging time across the board ?

"* from midde management on down, especially for the lower level workers and a lot of small businesses."

The hearts and minds of millions of americans might be heavier.

..but history expert rayce hardy says it remains important to honor the american worker.

"the worker is always a vital part of any type of production ?

"* whatsoever?

"* we need to remember that."

He insists ?

"* resilience is the key to economic recovery.

"we have millions of people unemployed and we have millions of people underemployed , we need labor, we need people working to keep this economy going so this is an extremely important labor day."

Congress recognized labor day as a holiday in 1894.

Hardy says the holiday highlights the need for better working conditions... salaries and quality of life.

"we're focused on divisiveness, we need to be focused on collaboration.

Workers need help right now, if any time they needed help, they needed help in 1894 ?

"* they certainly need help right now."

Recognizing the contributions of all kinds of workers is something hardy views as important..

"our healthcare workers and those workers that are producing things that are for people across the country to use ?

"* those production of things that everybody needs."

And, at least one worker is optimistic about american resilience on this labor day.

"i think what we're known hardy also tells me whatever your job is... your contributions matter.

He says there's a lot of great work being done in the country... so pushing ahead will be key to moving forward.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3.

Thanks isabella.

It was president grover cleveland who declared labor day