WASHINGTON (AP) — The origins of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when activists tried to create a day to honor workers.
The first Labor Day celebration in the United States was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. About 10,000 workers participated in a parade organized by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor.
Over the next few years, a handful of cities and states began to enact laws recognizing Labor Day, but it was more than a decade before President Grover Cleveland signed an act of Congress in 1894 making the first Monday in September a legal holiday.
While many workers are on holiday, most major consumer-facing businesses remain open and are running promotional sales to attract customers.
This year’s Labor Day opening and closing dates are as follows:
Government Buildings
Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed.
Banks and Stock Markets
US stock markets and banks are closed on Monday.
Standard FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on Labor Day, but some essential services will be available in select locations.
Retailers
Boscov’s stores will be open until 8 p.m. on Labor Day. Warehouse club Costco will be closed, but most of the nation’s major retailers and grocery stores will be open, and some will be running promotional sales to attract customers. Hours may vary by location, so check with your local store.
trip
Even as many schools reopen and the summer travel season draws to a close, the Transportation Security Administration plans to screen more than 17 million people, a record for a Labor Day period.
AAA said domestic travel bookings for this holiday weekend are up 9% from last year, while international travel is down 4%.
If you’re traveling by car, gas will cost less than it did last year: According to AAA, the national average was $3.86 a gallon, compared to $3.44 recently.
The car club doesn’t provide a complete travel forecast for Labor Day like it does for Memorial Day and Independence Day, but it does offer some helpful advice for travelers.
— Leave early. Everything takes longer than you expect.
— Keep an eye on the weather. Even if the skies are clear at home, there could be a storm at your flight destination or along your road route. Have an alternate route prepared.
— Be kind. Cancelled flights and traffic jams can be frustrating, but you’re not the only one who’s stranded or delayed.