The History of Labor Day

Labor Day weekend is finally upon us and it's probably about time to review the history of Labor Day courtesy of our friends at Census.gov: Source: Upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2010, Table 603 7.7 million Number of workers who hold down more than one job. So-called moonlighters comprise 5 percent of the working population. Of these, 4 million work full time at their primary job and part time at their other job. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 589 288,000 When do they sleep? Number of moonlighters who work full time at two jobs. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 589 10.4 million Number of self-employed workers. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 585 22.5 million Number of female workers 16 and older in educational services, and health care and social assistance industries. Among male workers 16 and older, 11.3 million were employed in manufacturing industries. Source: 2007 American Community Survey 28% Percentage of workers 16 and older who work more than 40 hours a week. Eight percent work 60 or more hours a week. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 582 4 Median number of years workers have been with their current employer. About 9 percent of those employed have been with their current employer for 20 or more years. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 591 10.3 million Number of independent contractors. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 588 15.7 million Number of labor union members nationwide. About 12 percent of wage and salary workers belong to unions, with Alaska, Hawaii and New York having among the highest rates of any state. North Carolina has one of the lowest rates, 3 percent. Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 644 -10.8% Percentage decline in employment in Elkhart County, Ind., between September 2007 and September 2008, the largest percentage decline among the nation’s 334 largest counties. Maricopa, Ariz., posted the largest numerical job loss over the period: 67,100. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 3.2% Percentage increase in employment in Yakima County, Wash., between September 2007 and September 2008, the largest percentage increase among the nation’s 334 largest counties. Harris, Texas, posted the largest numerical job gain over the period: 26,500. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 5.7 million The number of people who work at home. Source: 2007 American Community Survey $45,113 and $35,102 The 2007 annual median earnings for male and female full-time, year-round workers, respectively. Source: Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2007 $1,552 Average weekly wage in New York County (Manhattan), N.Y., for the third quarter of 2008, the highest among the nation’s 334 largest counties. Rutherford, Tenn., led the nation in growth of average weekly wages the third quarters of 2007 to 2008, with an increase of 17 percent ($124). 53% Projected percentage growth from 2006 to 2016 in the number of network systems and data communication analysts. Forecasters expect this occupation to grow at a faster rate than any other. Meanwhile, the occupation expected to add more positions over this period than any other is registered nurses (587,000). Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2009, Table 598 17 million Number of commuters who leave for work between midnight and 5:59 a.m. These early birds represent 13 percent of all commuters. Source: 2007 American Community Survey 76% Percentage of workers who drive alone to work. Another 10 percent carpool, and 5 percent take public transportation (excluding taxicabs). Source: 2007 American Community Survey 31.5 minutes The average time it takes to commute to work for residents of New York state. New York residents had the most time-consuming commute in the nation, followed by that of Maryland residents with 31.1 minutes. The national average was 25.3 minutes. Source: 2007 American Community Survey 3.4 million Number of workers who face extreme commutes to work of 90 or more minutes each day. Source: 2007 American Community Survey 52% Percentage of workers 16 and older living in Virginia who worked and lived in different counties, the highest rate in the nation. Source: 2007 American Community Survey And while you're at it, check out this video for even more history on this glorious holiday. And have a great Labor Day!!!