September 2, 2024
As late as the 1930s, unions were encouraging workers to strike to make sure they got the day off. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the United States territories have subsequently made Labor Day a statutory holiday. Labor Day became a federal holiday shortly after the Pullman Strike.
Labor Day is one of the most common paid holidays in the U.S. 97% of employers give some employees Labor Day off. However, more than 40% of businesses will still be open and have some staff members on the clock. Large organizations are much more likely to have some employees working on Labor Day than small businesses.
It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events.
The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.