What Is Labor Day Really About – and Does It Impact Your Money Today?

Planning to kick back at a barbeque this Labor Day? It’s easy to forget that what started as a difficult time in history led to a national holiday known as Labor Day. Celebrated on the first Monday of September, it commemorates a variety of rights that labor activists fought for in Chicago and elsewhere in the 1880s and 1890s.

And yes, it does impact your money today – in many ways.

Many Illinois Currency Exchanges are open on Labor Day even though banks are closed.

We recognize this popular and well-known holiday by closing banks and celebrating the last days of summer. People can take a break from the stresses of their jobs or their money problems on a day meant for enjoying time with family and friends.

However, some Currency Exchanges throughout Illinois and parts of the Midwest will open if you need to cash a check to pay for that cookout you’re hosting, in addition to a whole bunch of other personal finance and auto/transportation services. It’s nice to know you can still take care of basic money-related tasks on your day off if you need to!

What do 1800s activists in Chicago have to do with workplace safety and your finances?

Many of the things we take for granted stem from demands people were fighting for over a century years ago, and we can thank Midwestern workers for some of the laws in place today.

In Chicago, factory workers went on strike over unfair wages. The government got involved and eventually created Labor Day to honor all types of American workers. It was part of a bigger movement at the time that led society to recognize basic rights such as these:

• The eight-hour workday
• Child labor laws
• Better treatment in the workplace
• Other workplace protections
• Basic rights of workers
• Ability to leave you job

Does Labor Day history affect your money today?

If you think about it, the early labor movements also helped revolutionize how we think about money. Although it happened gradually, people are more empowered when it comes to how they manage their finances.

There are many more things we can do with the dollars we make. Whether you decide to use a budgeting app to stay on track and get out of debit; use a prepaid debit card to avoid overspending when out shopping; or you allow an electronic bill payment service to help you pay your utility bills on time each month. Newer technology also means there are new online threats as well as hidden fees and surcharges to avoid, so look out for those even as spending becomes more convenient.

So, what are some basic rights that workers should know about in the U.S.?

While enforcing your rights is another story, it’s still important to know that you are entitled to certain rights in the workplace. Temp workers and contractors in particular should know their rights since they can be vulnerable to people who would take advantage of their status. Generally speaking, your rights as a worker will include:

1. A contract detailing your pay, hours, and expectations on the job
2. Periodic breaks in the workday
3. Safe working conditions
4. To be paid on time
5. Equal pay for your work (the minimum wage ranges from $7.25 to $15 per hour, depending on where you are)
6. Not to face discrimination or harassment

There are many other rights that have been put into law in the decades since the early labor movements in this country. While federal laws affect everyone, keep in mind that the town you live in may have some different rules and wage requirements than the next town over.

Midwestern Currency Exchanges Can Help You Manage Your Finances

Most of all, the concept that we have the right to be treated with respect, as well as to get paid for the work we do, is thanks to the efforts of this historical movement. At CCEA Currency Exchanges, we further believe that your financial information and any other personal data we handle should be secured by built-in protections for all of our customers.

As Labor Day approaches, contact your local Community Currency Exchange (CCEA) or stop by your nearest location to take advantage of our convenient financial and auto services!