Labor Day -

While North America celebrates in September, more than 150 other countries observe on May 1 .

The holiday emerged during the Industrial Revolution, when workers faced harsh conditions, such as 12-hour workdays and 7-day workweeks. Labor Day

: Credit for the idea is often split between two men with similar names: Peter J. McGuire , a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, and Matthew Maguire , a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union. How It is Celebrated While North America celebrates in September, more than

: In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act ensured Labor Day and several other holidays would always fall on Mondays to provide three-day weekends for workers. Labor Day | Meaning, History, & Facts - Britannica McGuire , a co-founder of the American Federation

: Typical activities include backyard barbecues, picnics, fireworks, and public events like parades or athletic festivals.

: Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day in 1887.

: The first Labor Day parade took place on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 , in New York City. Organized by the Central Labor Union, roughly 10,000 workers took unpaid leave to march from City Hall to 42nd Street.