Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the official closing of the summer season. While you are enjoying the long weekend, pause to ponder the original significance of Labor Day and how it has changed through the decades. Labor Day in 2019 is Monday, September 2, 2019 In the late 19th century terrible working conditions were the norm in America's industrial cities. The average factory worker put in twelve hour days, seven days a week just to meet basic family expenses. And young children were not exempt from the grueling routine. Labor groups, craft guilds, and trade groups were formed for the goal of improving conditions, raising wages, and protecting children. In that time Labor Day was a time of fiery rhetoric and parades.