Although President Ford signed the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 on September 2, it was Labor Day of that year and the choice was deliberate.
“It is certainly appropriate that this law be signed on Labor Day, since this act marks a brighter future for almost all the men and women of our labor force.” President Ford’s statement on signing ERISA.
“I think this is really an historic Labor Day—historic in the sense that this legislation will probably give more benefits and rights and success in the area of labor-management than almost anything in the history of this country.” President Ford’s remarks on signing ERISA.
So happy birthday, ERISA!