What does Labor Day mean to you? Labor Day is so much a part of our culture that we rarely pause to consider its purpose and meaning.

Labor Day is a public holiday in U.S. and Canada that is dedicated to workers across the countries. The holiday always falls on the first Monday in September. Labor Day weekend is also considered the unofficial end of summer.

Test your knowledge of Labor Day
Answer T (True) or F (False):

1. Labor Day is the affirmation of the dignity and worth of workers.

2. Labor Day began in Canada in 1872.

3. In the US, the first Labor Day was held in 1883.

4. Many view Labor Day as a day of rest.

5. A trade or labor union is an association of workers whose purpose is to improve economic status and working conditions primarily through strikes.

6. The term "closed shop" refers to company that hires only nonunion members.

7. Elton Mayo's research in the 30s demonstrated that workers were more motivated by recognition and social interaction than by material rewards.

8. Historically, labor unions developed in response to the worldwide economic depression.

9. In the process of collective bargaining, an employer agrees to discussing working condition with a government mediator.

10. The phrase, "Work is the curse of the drinking classes," is attributed to Oscar Wild.

Answers

1. True. Labor Day is the affirmation of the dignity and worth of workers.

2. True. Labor Day began in Canada in 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organized the first significant workers' demonstration to support exploited workers.

3. True. In the US, the first Labor Day, held in 1883, stemmed from the desire of the Central Labor Union to create a workers' holiday.

4. True. Many view Labor Day as a day of rest, the end of summer, a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events.

5. False. A trade or labor union is an association of workers whose purpose is to improve economic status and working conditions primarily through collective bargaining.

6. False. The term "closed shop" refers to company that hires only union members.

7. True. Elton Mayo's research demonstrated that workers were more motivated by recognition and social interaction than by material rewards. Companies subsequently introduced various incentives to increase employee motivation and productivity.

8. False. Historically, labor unions developed in response to the Industrial Revolution.

9. False. In the process of collective bargaining, an employer agrees to discussing conditions with employee representatives usually a labor union.

10. True. The phrase, "Work is the curse of the drinking classes," is attributed to Oscar Wild.

How has the meaning and structure of work changed since the late 19 Century?

During our great grandparents’ era, scientific management, based on the belief that most workers were stupid, introduced authoritarian procedures to increase productivity. Money was their reward. Industrial capitalism and the corporate bureaucracy strengthened the idea that only top management had intelligence to make decisions. Unions organized to give workers a greater voice.

In the 1920s, management began questioning these beliefs. Elton Mayo’s research in the 30s demonstrated workers were more motivated by recognition and social interaction than by material rewards. Companies subsequently introduced various incentives to increase employee motivation and productivity.

Ongoing technological, economic, and social changes are forcing us to continue reassessment of views regarding job satisfaction, efficiency and career growth.