Labor Day in the USA and Canada Date in the current year: September 2, 2024

Labor Day celebrates the American labor movement, its economic and social achievements. The holiday was first proposed by representatives of the Central Labor Union (CLU), the Knights of Labor, and the American Federation of Labor in 1882.

Oregon was the first state to celebrate it officially in 1887. By the time Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday, 30 states officially celebrated it. Labor Day celebrations in the United States typically include union sponsored parades, picnics, pool parties, water activities, family reunions. For many people, this is the day of the last summer picnic.

Canada also celebrates the equivalent holiday on the first Monday in September. Canadian Labour Day (Fête du Travail) dates back to the 1880s. It gained the status of an official holiday in 1894. On this day, unions organize parades and official picnics. Non-union celebrations include public art events, family picnics, water activities, and firework displays.

Many people in Canada and the United States associate Labor Day with the end of summer. In many schools, the new school year typically starts right after this holiday, although schools starting times may vary in different localities.

Labor Day should not be confused with International Workers' Day celebrated in many countries on May 1.