Today in Labor History

This date marked the birthday of machinist Matthew Maguire, who many believe first suggested Labor Day. Others believe it was Peter McGuire, a carpenter. – 1850

President Grover Cleveland signed legislation declaring Labor Day an official US holiday. – 1894

The federal government sued the Teamsters to force reforms on the union, the nation’s largest. The following March, the government and the union signed a consent decree requiring direct election of the union’s president and creation of an Independent Review Board. – 1988

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