Labor Day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. The movements that resulted in what we celebrate today as Labor Day did a lot to protect children. At the turn of the century, it was common for children as young as 5 and 6 to be working — often in terrible conditions and ways that prevented them from getting an education.
We’ve come a long way and we’re grateful for the leaders throughout history who’ve brought us this far to the rights many of us enjoy today. Still today, some children continue to be exploited and some trafficked. This is especially true in certain industries and among more vulnerable populations (e.g., migrants/immigrants, those living in extreme poverty).
Knowing your rights is still important! Are you a child or parent who wants to know the rights of youth workers? Learn more about labor laws and youth worker rights at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules
This Labor Day, do you want to explore the history behind child labor laws?
https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/child-labor
