Labor Day In Midland-Odessa Brings A Well-deserved Break

With Labor Day looming in the coming weeks in Midland-Odessa, many in the region are bursting at the seams with excitement.  Any day off from work with pay is always a great day, right?

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The History of Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September, honoring the American workforce and also serving as an unofficial end to summer. The origins of Labor Day date back to the 19th century, a time when many of the labor laws we have in modern America were not yet established. This often led to unsafe and or grueling work conditions. This was on top of low wages that also plagued many Americans all around the country.  

On September 5, 1882, a labor movement that spanned multiple cities gained traction and eventually led to a 10,000-strong march in New York City, parading through the streets of Manhattan.  Over the next two years, the movement had gained traction in cities like Chicago, but everything had come to a head in 1884 during what was called the Pullman Strike.

The Pullman Strike

The Pullman Strike was a protest aimed at securing fair wages and safer working conditions, but it ultimately resulted in violence. This nationwide protest began when factory and railroad workers became frustrated with the dangerous and unsafe working conditions that accompanied the westward expansion of the railroad in the late 19th century.  After the violence, it did not take long for then-President Grover Cleveland to declare Labor Day a national holiday.

Labor Day in Midland-Odessa

Labor Day in Midland-Odessa is celebrated similarly to how it is across the United States. As a federal holiday, there will be no mail delivery or city services, such as trash pickup. Many oil and gas companies observe Labor Day, so it is likely that oilfield workers you know will have the day off. While some businesses in the region will remain open, it is common to find others that will close in observance of the holiday.

So what is someone to do for Labor Day while living in Midland-Odessa?  Well, that is really up to you, but the most popular answer would likely be... REST!