09/07/2026
As folks enjoy their day off and spend time with loved ones, lets remember why we celebrate Labor Day year after year. In the 1880's there was an explosion of growth amongst the labor movement resulting in, work stoppages, and independent local labor parties cropping up across the country. In 1886 the AFL (American Federation of Labor) pushed for the day to be celebrated on a Monday, ensuring workers had a day off, typically celebrated with a parade followed by a picnic. Even after the holiday was signed into law in 1894 by President Grover Cleveland, business owners refused to acknowledge the holiday. This led to organized strikes with workers taking the day off one way or another on Monday Sept 7th. With the emergence of a national Labor Day, grew the power of an organized, and unionized, labor force.
Our International Association of Fire Fighters tracks its origins to this AFL movement, with Pittsburgh Firefighters, in 1886, establishing Local 1. This was in response to the city government threatening to remove firefighters who were not supportive of them.
Today we are 365,000 members strong with 3,600 individual local chapters. As one of 3,600 we are honored to continue this time honored tradition.
So lets all enjoy the day if able and remember the blood, sweat and tears that got us here.
Happy Labor Day and Solidarity to All!
Colorado Professional Fire Fighters
Colorado AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO