The first observance of Labor Day is believed to have been a parade of 10,000 workers on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by Peter J. McGuire, a Carpenters and Joiners Union secretary. By 1893, more than half the states were observing a “Labor Day” on one day or another, and Congress passed a bill to establish a federal holiday in 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill soon afterward, designating the first Monday in September as Labor Day.

154.4 million - Number of people 16 and older in the nation’s labor force in May 2010.

83% - Percentage of full-time workers 18 to 64 covered by health insurance during all or part of 2008.

78% - Percentage of workers in private industry who receive a paid vacation as one of their employment benefits.

7.6 million - Number of workers who hold down more than one job.