A lot of people think of Labor Day as an extra day off work or the unofficial end of summer, but the day has a rich history.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A lot of people think of Labor Day as an extra day off work or the unofficial end of summer, but the day has a rich history. For union workers across Central Illinois, the Decatur Labor Day Parade was a chance to celebrate all that the labor movement has done to improve working conditions. 

"Labor Day is a celebration of the wins that organized labor has gotten over the years," said Sam Mills, president of the Decatur Education Association. "So think of a 9-5 job, weekends, paid vacations, medical leave, medical care, insurance, all that stuff is because of unions."

For many parade attendees, Labor Day is a chance to celebrate all of the workers who came before them and fought for the opportunity to have days off with their families. 

Many types of workers were represented at the parade. This included pipefitters, steelworkers, electrical workers, teachers, firefighters and many more. Union leaders say many people do not realize just how many of these types of jobs rely on union labor. 

"We are everywhere, union workers," said Michelle Dixson, president of DESPA.  "We're in the schools, your mail carriers, your teamsters that transport things between buildings, your police department, your fire department. They are everywhere. "

The first Labor Day parade was held in New York City in 1882. It became a federal holiday in 1894. 

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