During the late 1800s, the Industrial Revolution led many to work in dangerous factories for long hours and low pay, often 12 hours a day 7 days a week. Workers organized strikes and rallies to protest their working conditions. The first Labor Day parade was held in 1882 in New York City where 10,000 workers marched. This idea spread and in 1894, Labor Day was officially adopted as a federal holiday to celebrate the labor movement and workers' contributions to the economy. Today, Labor Day commemorates the social and economic achievements of American workers and unions.