Every May 1, millions of people around the world celebrate International Workers’ Day, a time to honor the struggles, rights, and achievements of the working class. Yet in the United States, this date passes quietly, as “Labor Day” is marked in September instead.
May 1 has deep roots in global labor history — but interestingly, its origins trace back to the United States. In the late 19th century, thousands of American workers, particularly in Chicago, led strikes and demonstrations demanding the eight-hour workday. The most famous event was the Haymarket affair in 1886, which ended in violence and controversial trials.
To honor those struggles, international organizations — especially in Europe and Latin America — adopted May 1 as a symbol of unity and labor rights.
Why the U.S. celebrates in September
Despite the fact that the roots of International Workers’ Day lie in its own territory, the United States chose to formalize “Labor Day” in September. Why? Authorities at the time, concerned about May 1’s associations with radical or socialist movements, preferred an alternative date to honor workers in a peaceful, nationally unifying way.
Thus, Labor Day was officially established in 1894, celebrated on the first Monday of September, marked by parades, rest, and community events.
The upside of having its own date
While it may seem contradictory, having a separate celebration allows the U.S. to focus on a labor holiday with a positive, less confrontational, and more inclusive tone. Over time, Labor Day has become an opportunity to recognize the contributions of workers across all sectors, celebrate collective achievements, and symbolically mark the end of summer — reinforcing its festive and family-centered nature.
Rather than focusing solely on past struggles, the U.S. celebration emphasizes progress made and looks ahead, recognizing the power of work as a driving force of national prosperity.
A universal message
Even if the dates differ, the spirit behind Labor Day — whether on May 1 or in September — is shared worldwide: valuing the effort, dignity, and rights of those who sustain economies and help build fairer societies every day.
In the end, it’s not so much about when it’s celebrated, but about ensuring there’s a moment to honor what matters most: human labor is the heart of development, and it always deserves recognition.