Overview
Labor Day is an American federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September, celebrating the economic and social contribution of workers.
Details
Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day a holiday on February 21, 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, 30 states officially celebrated Labor Day. When a number of workers died at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike (a railroad strike), the U.S. Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday.
Trivia
- Peter McGuire is considered the “father” of the Labor Day holiday. He was an Irish-American cabinet maker and pioneer unionist who proposed a day dedicated for all who labor at a meeting of the Central Labor Union on May 18, 1882.
- In high society, Labor Day is (or was) considered the last day of the year when it is fashionable to wear white or seersucker.
- A modern labor fact: the amount of time the average American spends commuting to work each year is more than 100 hours. This exceeds the typical 2 weeks of vacation taken by many U.S. workers over the course of the year.
Celebrating Suggestions
- The Labor Day holiday is supposedly the 2nd busiest shopping weekend (second only to Black Friday), so stock and staff your location appropriately!
- As most schools will be back in session, prepare your store for “back to school” with seasonal items and supplies.
- Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer – boo hoo! Host one last summer event for your customers, friends and family.
Check out our Marketing Holiday Calendar for more dates to celebrate!
