How Sustainability is Reshaping Labor Day's Meaning
This Labor Day, I reflected on how this historic holiday continues to evolve. As sustainability transforms how businesses operate, Labor Day is becoming more than just a celebration of workers' rights—it's also becoming a time to recognize how green business practices create jobs and protect both workers and our planet.
Where Labor Day Began
Labor Day started with a parade in New York City on September 5, 1882. Oregon became the first state to make it an official holiday in 1887, and 30 other states quickly followed.
The holiday gained national importance after the Pullman Strike in Chicago—a massive railway strike that shut down the country's transportation system. Workers went on strike because of wage cuts and layoffs. The strike drew national attention to what workers desperately needed: safer working conditions, fair wages, and ethical treatment by employers.
The Green Economy Creates New Opportunities
Today, America's green economy is growing rapidly. This sector reduces environmental damage while protecting workers and promoting sustainable business practices. It includes renewable energy, sustainable farming, environmental protection technologies, and the circular economy (where products are designed to be reused and recycled rather than thrown away).
Green jobs are increasing and typically pay well, benefiting workers, the American economy, and the planet's health. Research shows that between 24 million and 170 million green jobs could be created in the next five to ten years—more than enough to replace jobs lost in older, less sustainable industries.
Even with less government support for sustainability initiatives, companies in America and worldwide are adopting eco-friendly practices. These include using energy and water more efficiently, reducing waste, creating sustainable supply chains, and—in the cleaning industry—developing safer, more comfortable equipment made from materials that can be recycled.
Putting People First
Above all, Labor Day is about people. The holiday reminds us that sustainability isn't just about saving money or improving efficiency—it's about treating workers fairly, providing safe working conditions, paying equitable wages, and sourcing materials ethically.
Labor Day also gives businesses a chance to think about how they can better support their employees' well-being while pursuing sustainable development, environmental protection, and cost savings—goals I help companies achieve through my work.
Steve Ashkin is president of the Ashkin Group, a consulting firm specializing in Green Cleaning and sustainability. Steve is recognized as one of the one hundred most important contributors to the professional cleaning industry in ISSA's 100-year history.