About Labor Day in the United States
Labor Day is the United States federal holiday on the first Monday in September. It recognizes the social and economic achievements of American workers and the history of the labor movement.
Origins of Labor Day
The U.S. Department of Labor traces the holiday to labor activists in the late nineteenth century. The first Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on 5 September 1882, and state recognition expanded during the following years.
Congress made the first Monday in September a legal holiday in 1894. The Department of Labor notes that historical credit for proposing the holiday is disputed, so this article does not present one person as its uncontested founder.
A Monday holiday every year
Because Labor Day is defined as the first Monday in September, its calendar date changes but its weekday does not. It therefore forms a three-day weekend for people who normally do not work on weekends and receive the holiday.
The official U.S. spelling is Labor Day, without the extra letter used in British English. OPM publishes the federal date as part of its annual schedule.
Planning around Labor Day
Federal offices generally close, but private employment arrangements are governed by each employer and applicable law. The holiday's presence on the federal calendar does not by itself guarantee paid leave for every worker.
Travel, events and opening hours vary across the country. Confirm schedules directly, especially for seasonal attractions or services whose summer timetable changes around the weekend.
Common questions about Labor Day
When is Labor Day in the United States?
It is observed on the first Monday in September.
What does Labor Day recognize?
It recognizes American workers, their social and economic contributions, and the history of organized labor.