As some parts of Texas face stifling heat, there’s still several more weeks of the hottest part of the year. Labor Day has long been an unofficial mark of the end of summer — and the next three-day weekend before students and workers generally resume their five-day weekly schedules.
When is Labor Day, and why do we celebrate it? Here’s a quick rundown.
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When is Labor Day 2025?
Labor Day is always the first Monday of September, which falls on Sept. 1 this year.
When is Labor Day weekend 2025?
This year Labor Day weekend runs from Saturday, Aug. 30 though Monday, Sept. 1.
Is Labor Day a federal holiday?
Yes. President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act to make Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. Before that, more than 30 states were already officially celebrating it. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
A file photo of the first Labor Day parade, which happened in New York City.
Why do we celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day honors the social and economic achievements of American workers. Its roots can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution and the labor movement activists of the late 19th century. These activists fought for workers’ rights through organized strikes, demonstrations, and rallies focused on improving working conditions.
A photo by Margaret Bourke-White at the Industrial Rayon Corporation in Ohio in 1939 is part of The Ringling photo exhibit “Working Conditions” about the labor movement.
Many modern employee benefits, including the 40-hour workweek, paid time off, sick leave and workplace safety, were made possible through the labor movement. Labor Day celebrates American workers, unions and labor leaders.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Labor Day weekend 2025: See date, history behind the federal holiday
