Teaching About Labor Day and the Labor Movement
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, recognizes the contributions and achievements of American workers. The history behind the holiday is part of a larger story about the labor movement, unions, collective action, workplace reform and workers’ rights. These topics are also relevant during Labor History Month in May and throughout the school year.
This curated collection offers free, historically grounded and classroom-ready lesson plans, primary sources, biographies and activities for K–12 educators. Resources cover::
- The origins and meaning of Labor Day
- Labor leaders and activists
- Major strikes, protests and organizing campaigns
- Workers’ rights and workplace safety
- Unions and collective bargaining
- Connections between labor history and current events
Educators can select materials suited to their students, grade levels and learning goals across U.S. history, civics, economics and social studies. The resources provide context for examining how workers, unions, employers and policymakers have shaped working conditions, public policy and everyday life.
