Labor Day Explained

Labor Day is a U.S. federal holiday that recognizes American workers and their contributions to the country's economy and society. It is on the first Monday of September each year.

Labor Day developed through the efforts of workers, labor unions, state governments, and the federal government.

Workers

During the late 1800s, millions of Americans worked in factories, mines, railroads, construction, and other growing industries. Many worked long hours, often six days a week, under workplace conditions that had fewer safety rules than exist under modern labor laws. Workers organized marches, strikes, and labor groups to push for changes.

Central Labor Union

The Central Labor Union of New York was a group made up of representatives from several local labor unions. In 1882, it organized the first widely recognized Labor Day celebration in New York City.

Knights of Labor

The Knights of Labor was one of the largest national labor organizations of the late 1800s. In 1884, the organization supported the idea of holding a workers' holiday on the first Monday of September each year.

American Railway Union

The American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, became involved in the major Pullman Strike of 1894. That strike became an important part of the events surrounding Congress's decision to make Labor Day a federal holiday.

Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire

Peter J. McGuire, a leader of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, has traditionally been credited with suggesting a holiday honoring workers. Historical records also credit Matthew Maguire, a labor leader connected to the Central Labor Union of New York.

Labor Day recognizes the work and contributions of American workers. It also recognizes the history of the labor movement and efforts to improve workplace conditions.

Those efforts included calls for:

1. Shorter working hours
2. Better pay
3. Safer workplaces
4. Limits on child labor
5. Regular days off
6. Better working conditions
7. The ability of workers to organize together

Labor Day does not:

Recognize one specific occupation, company, or labor union. It recognizes workers across the United States.

The first widely recognized Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. The Central Labor Union organized a parade in which thousands of workers marched through the city. After the parade, workers and their families gathered for speeches, food, and other activities.

Oregon

Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday on February 21, 1887. Later in 1887, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York also passed laws recognizing Labor Day. More states followed as support for the holiday grew.

Labor Day developed during a period when the United States was becoming heavily industrialized. Factories, railroads, mines, and other industries were expanding quickly. Many workers faced long hours, low wages, dangerous workplaces, and few legal protections. Labor organizations argued that workers should have greater influence over their working conditions. A holiday honoring workers became part of the larger labor movement.

The Pullman Strike

A major labor conflict called the Pullman Strike began in May 1894. Workers at the Pullman railway car company near Chicago went on strike after the company reduced wages while many workers continued paying high housing costs in the company owned town.

The American Railway Union supported the workers by refusing to handle trains carrying Pullman cars. The protest disrupted rail service across large parts of the country. President Grover Cleveland's administration sent federal troops to help keep trains moving and enforce federal court orders. Violence occurred during the conflict, and several people were killed.

The strike increased national attention on tensions between workers, businesses, and the federal government. Congress approved legislation establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday during the same period.

Congress passed legislation making Labor Day a federal holiday in June 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the law on June 28, 1894. The law established the first Monday in September as Labor Day.

The first Labor Day recognized under the new federal law was September 3, 1894. This came about 12 years after the first Labor Day celebration in New York City.

Labor Day is a federal holiday observed on the first Monday of September.

Federal Government

Most federal government offices close for the holiday, and many federal employees receive the day off.

State and Local Governments

States and local governments also recognize Labor Day, although services and schedules can vary. Many public schools, courts, and government offices close.

Private Businesses

Private businesses are generally not required by federal law to close or give employees a paid day off for Labor Day. Businesses can decide whether to remain open, close, or provide holiday pay based on company policies, employment agreements, and applicable state laws.

Workers

Some workers receive the day off, while others continue working in industries such as healthcare, transportation, public safety, hospitality, restaurants, and retail.

Labor Day is also marked by parades, union events, community gatherings, family events, and other activities. The holiday began as part of the labor movement and remains a federal holiday recognizing American workers and the role labor has played in the country's development.