Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September, honors the invaluable contributions of American workers. Join us as we delve into its history and discover what's open and closed on this significant day.
Labor Day traces its origins to the late 19th century when New York and Oregon pioneered its recognition in 1887. By 1894, 30 states embraced this idea, leading the United States Congress to declare it a legal holiday in 1894. This day annually celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers.
Interestingly, while the US celebrates Labor Day in September, the rest of the world observes International Labor Day on May 1. This date's roots can be traced back to the American Federation of Labor (AFL). In 1886, they championed the cause of the eight-hour workday, sparking a nationwide workers' strike on May 1.
Tragically, the Chicago strike turned violent, resulting in casualties among labor activists and the police in 1886. The Haymarket Affair led to a trial where four strike participants were unjustly executed for murder, despite lacking evidence. In 1889, the "International Socialist Conference" designated May 1st as "International Workers Day" to honor these events.
The United States, due to anti-communist sentiments during the Cold War, did not adopt May 1 as Labor Day. Instead, President Eisenhower declared it Law Day, emphasizing governance under the law to distance it from its working-class origins.
On Labor Day, it's crucial to know what's open and closed: – Retailers: Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger remain open. Walgreens and CVS operate with regular hours but check local stores for possible variations. Costco, however, is closed. – Post Office: The United States Postal Service is closed, with UPS services (except Express Critical) also halted. FedEx Custom Critical operates, while FedEx Office has modified hours.
– Banks: Banks are closed, but ATMs and online banking are available. – Stock Market: The US stock market, including NASDAQ and NYSE, will not trade. – Government: Federal offices, government buildings, post offices, state and local courts, DMV, and local libraries will be closed. As you celebrate Labor Day, whether with a barbeque, a trip, or relaxation, take a moment to honor the hard work and dedication of American workers. Enjoy your well-deserved holiday!