5 Things You Don’t Know About Labor Day

Labor Day isn’t just another day off. It was created by the labor movement more than 120 years ago to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers.

Here are some neat facts of note this Labor Day, according to the U.S. Census Bureau:
• The first observance of Labor Day is believed to have been a parade of 10,000 workers on September 5, 1882, in New York City.
• 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.
• There were 155.1 million people over age 16 in the nation's labor force in May 2009.
• The average U.S. worker has been with his or her current employer for an average of four years. About nine percent of those employed have been with their current employer for 20 or more years.
• There are an estimated 15.7 million 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 at 3 percent.

Labor Day weekend has also become the unofficial end of summer, with cookouts, pool parties and other celebrations. Amica Insurance reminds people to drive safely and responsibly and offers these reminders, especially this weekend when many will be on the road:
• Get plenty of sleep before your trip.
• Drive during the times of the day when you are normally awake.
• Take your time and plan for rest breaks every couple of hours. Get out of your vehicle and take a short walk or do some other exercise to get your blood flowing and improve alertness. If possible, share the driving.
• Don't drink and drive, and don't speed. Many fatigue-related crashes also involve these two factors.
• Use air conditioning if your vehicle has it. Cool air will keep you more alert and will help avoid frustration and stress, which is a major cause of fatigue.