Held on First Monday of September

National Labour Day in USA is an annual celebration of American workers and their achievements. The day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. All Government offices, schools and organizations and many businesses are closed on this day. Though the majority of countries celebrate Labour Day on May 1^st, in USA it is observed as holiday on First Monday of September. Still, certain organisations in USA still celebrate 1^st May as Labour Day. The September Labour day was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events. Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.

National Labor Day, USA: History

There is contradiction amongst historians as to who was the first person to propose the day as a holiday. Two people are considered as frontrunners for the establishment of this day as holiday.  First, during 1882 Matthew Maguire, a machinist first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York. Second one, Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor proposed of the day in May 1882, after witnessing the annual labour festival held in Toronto, Canada. The first unofficial Labor Day was held in 1882. Its origins stem from the desire of the Central Labor Union to create a holiday for workers.

However, the official declaration of Labor Day by USA came after a certain period of time. During Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, the conditions of workers was pathetic, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks make out a basic living. They often faced extremely hazardous working conditions, without the basic facilities such as fresh air, sanitation and disease outbreaks. As a result, labour movements started seeking better working conditions and hours by the 19^th century through rallies and mass protests.

The history of the movement dates back to May 1, 1886. On this day several labour unions across the US went on strike, demanding a standard workday of eight hours. On May 4^th 1886 there was bloodshed in Chicago's Haymarket Square. A bomb thrown by a revolutionist and the ensuing firing from police led to the deaths of a dozen people (including several police officers) and the injury of over 100 people. The day was never adopted as a public holiday in the USA as President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Instead the September date was chosen which was also supported by Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September

While in other parts of the world May 1^st started to become the focal point for demonstrations in favour of workers’ rights. International Socialist proclaimed the date International Labour Day in 1889. In 1890, May Day demonstrations were generalised and worldwide, from the USA and Canada, to Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chile, and across Europe from Ireland to Russia.

Meanwhile in USA, during 1894, President Grover Cleveland ordered the suppression of the Pullman Strike which resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals. There was a large unrest and protest amongst the worker unions and to calm this massive unrest and to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. President Grover Cleveland signed it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday. The site of the incident was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1992 and a public sculpture was dedicated there in 2004.

Events and Activities

• Speeches by prominent personalities are held at various public places.

• Street parades are organised to exhibit the strength of the labour force to the public

• Public celebrations, such as fireworks displays, picnics and barbecues are organized.

• Being a holiday many people take summer trips

Alternate Names – US Labour Day, US Workers Day

Holiday Status - It is a Federal Holiday in USA