American Holidays > Labor Day Introduction I Martin Luther King Day I Washington's Birthday (President's Day) I Memorial Day I Independence Day I Columbus Day I Veterans Day I Thanksgiving I Christmas Other : Ethnic & Religious Observances I Other Celebrations I Halloween

Background · American Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) · Celebrate! Holidays in the USA: Labor Day · The First Labor Day · The History of Labor Day · How Labor Won Its Day · Joe Hill · Labor History Timeline · Labor in America - the Worker's Role   · Labor Law: An Overview · NYT > Articles about Labor Day · The Origins of Labor Day · Proclamation by President Obama on Labor Day 2010 · U.S. Department of Labor · Working Heroes--Men and Women Who Shaped America's Labor Movement Statistics · Bureau of Labor Statistics · Facts for Features: Labor Day 2010 · Labor Day by the Numbers Exhibits - Digital Images · 100 Years of Struggle and Success · Between a Rock and a Hard Place · From Carbon to Computers: The Changing American Office · Lost Labor: Images of Vanished American Workers 1900-1980 · Triangle Factory Fire   This holiday, which always is observed on the first Monday of September has been a federal holiday since 1894, but was observed in some places before that day as a result of a campaign by an early organization of workers called the Knights of Labor. Its purpose is to honor the nation's working people. In many cities the day is marked by parades of working people representing the labor unions. Most Americans consider Labor Day the end of the summer, and the beaches and other popular resort areas are packed with people enjoying one last three-day weekend. For many students it marks the opening of the school year. See also: About the USA > Economy > Labor

Feature Article:

Photogallery: A Look at America at Work The U.S. work force is vast, diverse and constantly changing, with more foreign-born, female and minority workers and managers than ever before. (America. gov) Labor Day Marks Appreciation of U.S. Workers. By Michael Jay Friedman Labor Day, celebrated in the United States on the first Monday of each September, is the nation's official commemoration of its workers' contributions to national strength, prosperity and well-being. It also marks for millions of Americans the unofficial end of summer, a long weekend to visit with family or friends, and, for most of the young, a last day of summer vacation before a new school year begins. While the holiday's origins have not been determined precisely, scholars typically credit either of two labor union officials -- Peter J. McGuire of the carpenters' union or Matthew Maguire of a machinists' local in Paterson, New Jersey -- with the idea. (America.gov, September 2, 2010.)

For High School Students · Celebrating Labor Day · How Labor Unions Work · Labor Day Teacher Resources · American History in Song > Labor Movement · A Curriculum of U. S. Labor History for Teachers · Joe Hill Project · Lawrence Strike of 1912 · Oral History Project in Labor History · Striking a Deal. Learning the History of American Labor Strikes · Triangle Fire of 1911, New York     Link Lists · African American Labor History Links · The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) · Labor and Working Class History Association · Labor Culture · Labor Day · Labor History on the Web · Union Websites · Yahoo! Holidays and Observances: Labor Day · Women's Labor History

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U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Germany /Public Affairs/ Information Resource Centers  Updated: September 2010