At Richey-Barrett, we cherish the hard work and dedication of our employees, as well as the hard work of our associates and friends. On September 2nd, 2019, we will observe Labor Day. Normally, people think of Labor Day as the holiday that signifies that kids are officially back in school, and the summer season is coming to an end. Labor Day is the annual celebration of workers and their achievements. It all started during the time of the industrial revolution.

Adults and even some children in the work force would work 7 days a week, 12 hours a day in order to provide the best life for themselves and their families. Some children as young as 5 or 6 even worked in mills or factories, only earning a fraction of what adults during this time received. Most of these workers experienced unsafe work conditions that were often unsanitary. Around this time, labor unions became more prominent and would hold rallies to protest the poor conditions and pay. Some of these rallies turned extremely violent, killing multiple officers and workers.

On September 5th, 1882, over 10,000 workers took an unpaid leave to march from City Hall in New York City to Union Square, signifying the first Labor Day parade. The “working man’s holiday” is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It was started in New York City and Chicago, and quickly spread nationwide. Most state governments recognized the holiday, but it wasn’t until about 1894 that the federal government recognized it as a nationwide holiday. In present times, we still are unsure of who founded Labor Day, but many credit Peter J. McGuire, who confounded the American Federation of Labor. Today, it also signifies the end of summer and the school year starting again.

To observe this holiday, we will close Friday, August 30th at 3:00 pm and will reopen Tuesday, September 3rd at 8:30 am. Please contact your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent with any insurance needs. We hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend!