The United States celebrates Labor Day on September 1st.
On September 1, the U.S. celebrates Labor Day, a tribute to the labor movement, with markets and offices closed; a symbolic end to summer.
Photo of Joseph Chan in Unsplash
Monday, September 1, 2025, is Labor Day, the only federal holiday of the month in the United States, which honors the labor movement and the contributions of workers to the development of the country.
This holiday has been celebrated on the first Monday of September since its declaration as federal law in 1894, following a historic railroad strike known as the Pullman Strike. The first unofficial observance dates back to 1882 in New York City, when thousands of workers marched in defense of their labor rights.
Details and repercussions of the holiday
- All U.S. stock exchanges and financial markets, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, will remain closed during the holiday.
- The postal service will be closed, and companies like UPS and FedEx will suspend most operations.
- Banks, schools, and public offices (federal and state) will also close, although many supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants will remain open; Costco is a notable exception that will close.
- Labor Day also marks the unofficial end of summer, widely celebrated by activities such as barbecues, shopping, and long weekend trips.
On the origin of Labor Day
The origin of Labor Day is linked to the efforts of the 19th-century labor movement to achieve a fairer workday and public celebrations that would showcase their collective strength: speeches, parades, and acts of fraternity marked the first demonstrations.
This federal holiday was established on June 28, 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed it into law following the national impact of the Pullman Strike, as a way to ease labor tensions.
In cities like New York, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, unions and labor associations still hold marches and parades. These demonstrations often include demands for better wages, gender equality, immigrant rights, and fair working conditions.
Many parades combine a union feel with a cultural and community tone, including marching bands, banners, and floats.
More than just a day off, this day symbolizes the historic struggle of workers for fundamental rights and the recognition of their vital role in building the nation. Although many Americans use the weekend for recreational activities, its true meaning remains rooted in the collective memory of labor.
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