Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. "Labor Day" was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of America to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in America officially celebrated Labor Day.Canada's Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers' Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
1882Sep, 5
The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City.
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Events on 1882
- 5Jan
Assassination of James A. Garfield
Charles J. Guiteau is found guilty of assassinating US President James A. Garfield, and is sentenced to death by hanging. - 24Mar
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Robert Koch announces the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. - 6May
Chinese Exclusion Act
The United States Congress passes the Chinese Exclusion Act. - 6Jun
Cyclone
More than 100,000 inhabitants of Bombay are killed when a cyclone in the Arabian Sea pushes huge waves into the harbour. - 20Aug
1812 Overture
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuts in Moscow, Russia.