Labor Day, at the heart of which was a demand for better treatment of workers, was conceptualised in 1882. At the peak of the Industrial Revolution, the need for a federal holiday for workers was felt. While earlier reports suggested that Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, was the brain behind the special day, recent research has found that it was machinist Matthew Maguire who actually proposed the holiday in 1882, while he was working as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.
Labor activists increasingly felt the need for a day that could celebrate and recognise their contribution to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being, and pushed for a federal holiday dedicated to trade and labor unions. The idea took shape at the height of the Industrial Revolution, when labor unions and activists advocated and fought for better treatment of workers.
It travelled across different parts of the US, with New York being the first state to introduce the bill and Oregon the first to actually pass the law, recognising it in February 1887. The same year, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York passed laws to recognise Labor Day as a holiday. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday. On June 28, 1894, the day finally got legal recognition, and thereafter the first Monday in September of each year was celebrated as Labor Day legally.
When is Labor Day in 2025?
Labor Day in the USA is being celebrated on Monday, September 1 this year. It’s marks the unofficial end to summer in USA. Many people celebrate Labor Day by attending parades, political rallies, and speeches while others just enjoy the Labor Day weekend with their family or loved ones.
Labor Day in USA: Wishes, quotes, messages, and images to share with loved ones
Labor Day Quotes
“Procrastination can be driven from your personality through the simple technique of constantly commanding yourself to get into action … and then obeying that command immediately.”
—Og Mandino
“Labor Day symbolizes our determination to achieve an economic freedom for the average man, which will give his political freedom reality.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”
—Colin Powell
“You see, if you take pains and learn in order to get a reward, the work will seem hard; but when you work … if you love your work, you will find your reward in that.”
—Leo Tolstoy
“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.” —Abraham Lincoln
Labor Day Wishes
May this Labor Day remind you of how valuable and appreciated your work is.
Work is not just about earning — it’s about building dreams. Wishing you a meaningful Labour Day.
Cheers to the hands that build, serve, and strive. Happy Labour Day!
Today, we pause to celebrate you—the backbone of progress, the force behind every growing community. Happy Workers’ Day!
Wishing you a restful and proud Labour Day. You’ve earned every bit of recognition and relaxation today.