National Blue Collar Day is celebrated every December 8. What better way to bring attention to America’s hard workers than to have them recognized with a national holiday! All blue-collar workers deserve our respect, admiration, and gratitude. They are the ones who work with their hands and use physical labor to earn a living. We are grateful for the hard-working men and women who help make our country run smoothly every day. How about we get together with our co-workers and organize a special event in our community to mark this special day.
History of National Blue Collar Day
National Blue Collar Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of blue-collar jobs and their contributions to society. It was established by Todd Sohn in 2019. Blue-collar workers are typically defined as people performing manual labor and other physical tasks, not intellectual ones. They often work in construction, manufacturing, or other physical labor industries. While they may not have college degrees, these workers are essential to our economy and society.
The blue-collar worker is often a symbol of America’s working class. Many people associate them with hard-working and dependable people who give their all to their jobs every day. The term blue-collar originates from the fact that most workers wore blue uniforms, distinguishing them from white-collar workers (those who wore white). Workers who don’t have an academic degree but work in manual labor jobs are blue-collar workers. The term was used about trade jobs in 1924 when people started wearing uniforms during their workdays.
The establishment of trade unions came in handy in defending the rights of blue-collar workers. The National Trade Union was founded on August 20, 1866, in Baltimore, Maryland. This union was intended as the first attempt to create a national workforce group in the U.S. The first appeal raised was to ask Congress to establish an eight-hour working day rule to protect all workers — but especially blue-collar workers from exploitation.
National Blue Collar Day timeline
Founded in Baltimore, Maryland, this union created a national workforce group in the U.S.
About 10,000 workers attend the festivities established to highlight workers’ rights.
The term is used to classify those doing manual labor jobs and who would typically wear blue denim as part of their uniform.
Todd Sohn establishes this day to celebrate hardworking individuals.
National Blue Collar Day FAQs
What is considered the working class?
Individuals in the workforce who do not have a bachelor’s degree are classified as working class.
How do I know if I am in the working class?
If your name is on the front of the building, you are a member of the upper class. If your name appears on your desk, you are a member of the middle class. If your name is on your shirt, you are a member of the working class.
What does work mean in life?
Work allows one to pursue meaningful goals. It also increases productivity and gives one’s life shape and coherence.
National Blue Collar Day Activities
Take a tour of your local industrial plant
Visit your local factory or industrial plant and see how people work hard to provide us with everything we need every day, like food and clothing. This should give you an appreciation for these workers.
Visit a library and read up on blue-collar professions
Visit your local library and check out some books on the history of blue-collar workers in America. There is a wealth of information about this.
Watch a movie
Watch an old movie about blue-collar workers like "Rocky" or "Goodfellas" or even something like "The Hudsucker Proxy." This should be both an educational and entertaining activity.
Why We Love
They make up most of the population
Blue-collar workers represent over 80% of all Americans, and their numbers are growing.
There are divisions within the class
The occupations within the working class can be categorized into four groups spanning unskilled laborers, artisans, factory workers, and home-based workers.
Most struggle to make ends meet
Many in the working class have to work long hours to afford necessities such as food and shelter.
Machines are replacing them
With advancements in technology, many blue-collar jobs are being replaced by machines, which means fewer people are needed.
They are often considered the lower class
The majority find themselves in the low-paying wage job bracket whic places them in the lower cadre of society.
Why We Love National Blue Collar Day
They are our unsung heroes
Blue-collar workers are often the unsung heroes of society. Without them, our country would fall apart. Let us give a collective shout-out to these people.
They are not afraid to get their hands dirty
They get into all the manual jobs that ensure our lives are more comfortable and run efficiently. We honor our carpenters, plumbers, and mechanics for everything they do for us.
They are resilient
Many times, blue-collar work is hard and labor intensive. We salute these men and women who do not quit. They show up every day and get the work done. This is an admirable trait.
National Blue Collar Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 8 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 8 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 8 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 8 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 8 | Friday |
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