What Is Labor Day? | Meaning, Date & Greetings

Labor Day is a US/Canadian holiday for honoring workers on the first Monday of September (e.g., 9/1/25). Schools, government offices, and many businesses close on Labor Day to give employees a well-deserved day off. Labor Day weekend is commonly considered the end of summer, when public pools and other warm-weather attractions close for the year.

Some of the most common Labor Day activities include barbecuing, swimming, camping, and relaxing with friends and family.

When is Labor Day?

Labor Day always falls on the first Monday of September, so the dates are a little different every year. The earliest possible date for Labor Day is September 1, and the last possible date is September 7.

Like many public holidays in the US, Labor Day is on a Monday so that people who work Monday–Friday get a 3-day weekend.

When is Labor Day 2025?

In 2025, Labor Day is on September 1. Labor Day weekend 2025 is from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, 2025.

Labor Day meaning

The meaning of Labor Day is to show gratitude for the hardworking people who shape every aspect of society. Labor Day is a reminder that behind every business, service, and product are workers whose daily efforts deserve appreciation.

Labor Day is also rooted in the labor union movement of the late 1800s, which advocated for fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable hours. The paid time off is a way to support workers’ overall well-being and cultivate a supportive working environment.

Aside from the official origins, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer because it’s the last 3-day weekend during summer weather and close to the first day of school. Labor Day is often the last day that public pools and other summer amenities are open.

History of Labor Day

Labor Day has been a national public holiday in the US and Canada since the late 1800s. The holiday is a result of labor unions’ efforts to improve conditions for workers. The following timeline shows how Labor Day became a US holiday.

• Mid–late 1800s: Labor unions became increasingly vocal about the long hours and unsafe working conditions in factories.
• September 5, 1882: In New York City, 10,000 workers took a Tuesday off without pay and marched from City Hall to Union Square to advocate for better working conditions and a workers’ holiday. This historical event is considered the first Labor Day parade.
• 1887–1894: In 30 US states, legislators passed laws to create a Labor Day holiday.
• June 28, 1894: President Grover Cleveland and US Congress made Labor Day a legal holiday.

Happy Labor Day greetings

There are many ways to wish your family, friends, colleagues, or employees a happy Labor Day, like these examples.

• Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
• I hope you have a fun and relaxing Labor Day.
• Enjoy your day off. You’ve earned it!
• Hard work should be celebrated. Happy Labor Day!
• Your hard work matters, and you deserve to be celebrated today and every day.
• Your determination is inspiring. I hope you enjoy some much needed time off.
• Thanks for all you do, and best wishes for your Labor Day weekend.
• Sending warm wishes this Labor Day to the ones who hustle hard.
• Cheers to all the hard workers who make the world a better place!
• Today we celebrate your hard work, dedication, and resilience.

Frequently asked questions about Labor Day

What does no white after Labor Day mean?

“No white after Labor Day” is an outdated, North American fashion rule about when to wear white clothing. The “rule” was to avoid white clothing (particularly white dresses, shorts, or pants) before Easter or after Labor Day.

In the US, Labor Day marks the end of summer vacation season and the onset of cooler temperatures. White and pastel colors are popular in the summer because they help people stay cooler. Dark colors attract more heat. Most people don’t really consider wearing white after Labor Day a faux pas anymore, though.

When you’re curious about adages or sayings, ask QuillBot’s AI Chat.

What are some Labor Day quotes?

Here are some famous Labor Day quotes about the value of workers or hard work:

• “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to.” —Jim Henson
• “It was working men and women who made the 20th century the American century. It was the labor movement that helped secure so much of what we take for granted today.” — Barack Obama
• “To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth.” —Pearl S. Buck

If you’re looking for the perfect quote for a Labor Day message, try QuillBot’s Inspirational quote generator.

How do I write a Labor Day out-of-office message?

When you write a Labor Day out-of-office message, include the date(s) you’ll be away from work, like this example:

• I will be out of the office from Friday, August 29–Tuesday, September 2. Have a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend.

You can also include a short Labor Day greeting like this example. If you need to write an out-of-office message in a hurry, try QuillBot’s AI text generator.

What is a good Labor Day message to employees?

Here is an example of a good Labor Day message to employees:

• In honor of Labor Day weekend, I want to thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for all you do to drive our success. Enjoy the holiday!

A Labor Day message to employees should show your appreciation for their efforts and wish them well on the day off.

When you need to write a professional email to your employees, QuillBot’s AI email writer will help you get it done quickly.

Is it Labour Day or Labor Day?

Labor and labour are two spellings of the same noun. The spelling depends on the type of English.

• In American English, “Labor Day” is correct.
• In British English, “Labour Day” is standard.

The same difference applies to similar words, such as “behaviour or behavior,” “honor or honour,” “color or colour,” “favorite or favourite,” “favor or favour,” and “humor or humour.”

QuillBot’s grammar check tool can help ensure you’re using “Labor Day” or “Labour Day” consistently.