Across Arizona, elected officials on both sides expressed gratitude Monday recognizing the contributions of the state's workforce as the nation celebrated Labor Day.
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday in September, celebrates the contributions of American workers to the nation's strength and prosperity. The holiday originated in the late 1800s when labor activists pushed for federal recognition of workers' achievements.
Official Recognition
Senator Mark Kelly issued a Labor Day statement reflecting on his family background with union members. "As the son of two union members, I saw firsthand how they protect families," Kelly said, adding that unions continue advocating for Arizona workers.
Karrin Taylor Robson emphasized Arizona's workforce in her statement: "Happy Labor Day! The grit, determination, and hard work of Arizona's workers are what make our state great."
Abe Hamadeh focused on the national scope of worker contributions. "On Labor Day, we celebrate the hardest-working people on earth: the American worker. The men and women who form the backbone of our nation's strength and prosperity. Thank you for everything you do to keep this country great!"
Following the recognition, Ruben Gallego then recognized the working class: "This country was built by the men and women who get up every morning, work hard, and keep our country moving forward," he noted. "America is only as strong as our working class."
About Labor Day
The U.S. Department of Labor informs that the path to becoming a national holiday took several years. Oregon became the first state to officially recognize Labor Day in February 1887, followed quickly by Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. By 1894, 23 states had adopted the holiday.
Congress made it official on June 28, 1894, designating the first Monday in September as a federal holiday honoring American workers.
As Arizona continues to experience economic growth and demographic changes, Labor Day provides an opportunity for leaders on both sides to acknowledge the diverse workforce driving the state's development.
From construction and manufacturing to healthcare and technology, the holiday recognizes workers across all sectors who contribute to Arizona's economy and communities.
