Labor Day
Today celebrates the contributions of workers, laborers and unions.
Today celebrates the contributions of workers, laborers and unions.
Kashinda Carter
Reviewer URLOrigin
Labor Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1894. Before that, it was celebrated only by certain groups of labor activists and some American states.
The origin of Labor Day is contested. Some give credit to Peter McGuire, who co-founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in America in 1881. Others point to machinist Matthew Maguire as the holiday's inventor.
The first Labor Day, organized by the Central Labor Union of New York, was celebrated in 1882 in New York City with a parade.
When it is celebrated
Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September.
Traditions
In the U.S., Labor Day is frequently celebrated with barbecues and parades. Many retail stores feature large sales on Labor Day. Recently, as union interest increases, labor unions have organized protests and political actions to coincide with the holiday.