Labor Day 2024: Here's what to know about the holiday, its history and meaning
The first Monday of September is an unofficial change of seasons. Here's what to know about Labor Day.
When is Labor Day observed?
In the United States and Canada, Labor Day/Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September.
What day is Labor Day 2024?
In 2024, Labor Day will fall on Sept. 2.
When is Labor Day weekend 2024?
Labor Day weekend includes the preceding Saturday and Sunday and can begin in either August or September. This year, the holiday weekend begins Saturday, Aug. 31. The weekend is commonly marked by travel, family barbecues and get-togethers and retail sales, and often culminates in Labor Day parades. Labor Day weekend is considered an unofficial end to summer.
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How is Labor Day determined?
Labor Day is one of 11 federal holidays. It is one of five such days that are always observed on a Monday — in this case, the first Monday in September.
What is the meaning of Labor Day?
The holiday honors workers and their contributions to society and national prosperity. It is a "celebration of the hard-won achievements of America's labor movement," writes USA TODAY.
In the late 1800s, "the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living," according to History.com. "Children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country." The website adds, "As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture ... labor unions ... grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay."
"The idea arose to establish a day dedicated to celebrating the members of trade and labor unions," adds USA TODAY.
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Is Labor Day a federal holiday?
"Not all holidays are officially recognized," writes USA TODAY. "In the U.S., only a handful are considered 'federal holidays' designated by the federal government. On these holidays, non-essential federal offices are closed and government employees receive pay while having the day off. Other establishments – including schools, businesses and banks – may also receive paid time off."
When did Labor Day start?
Beginning in 1887, individual states granted legal status to Labor Day. In 1894, the Pullman strike in Illinois and other events prompted U.S. President Grover Cleveland to propose a bill to make Labor Day a national public holiday. It was soon signed into law.
Is there a Labor Day parade in Peoria?
Peoria has a long – though not continuous – Labor Day parade history. In 2000, the Journal Star wrote, "The Labor Council of West Central Illinois revived the Labor Day parade in Peoria on Monday by holding the first one since the demands of the war forced a halt to the decades-old tradition in 1941."
This year's Labor Day parade starts at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, in Downtown Peoria.
Labor Day furniture sales
Labor Day is known as a prime time for furniture and home decor sales. National retailers such as Pottery Barn, West Elm and Wayfair have discounts up to 70% off on a range of items, including sofas and dining sets, according to Reviewed.com.
What stores are open on Labor Day?
Costco stores will be closed on Labor Day. Target, Walmart, and Lowe's will be open on Labor Day 2024.
Who all gets Labor Day off? Are they paid?
Not all workers enjoy that benefit. "There is no legal requirement for employers to give workers Labor Day (or any other day) off. Employers that choose to give their employees the day off are not required to pay them for the day," writes Business News Daily. Nevertheless, the story adds, "Historically, 70 percent of U.S. workers have received a paid holiday on Labor Day."
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What is the history of Labor Day?
