Published on Monday, September 2, 2024

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff


 

On Monday, the United States and Canada mark their Labor Day.

 
In both countries, this holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is considered the day that marks the end of summer, culminating in summer vacations and students returning to school.

 
In Costa Rica, the Canadian embassy in Costa Rica continues a regular work schedule. However, the U.S. Embassy announced they will be closed and reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

 
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this public holiday honors the American labor movement and the power of collective action by laborers, who are essential for the workings of society. The Monday of the long weekend known as Labor Day Weekend is a recognized federal holiday.

 
"Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor," the U.S. Department of Labor said in its statement.

 
Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the U.S. state to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the United States officially celebrated Labor Day.

In Canada, Labor Day has been marked as a statutory public holiday since 1894. Still, the holiday origins can be traced back to 1872, when an April labor demonstration in Toronto, in support of striking printers, led directly to the enactment of the Trade Unions Act. This law confirmed the legality of unions.
 
Canadian Unions associated with the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor in both Canada and the United States subsequently promoted parades and festivals on the first Monday in September.
 
 In Costa Rica, Labor Day is celebrated on May 1, following the International Workers' Day.

In some English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Labor Day is a public holiday on dates that vary between states and territories. The United Kingdom Labor Day is on May 1.

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What have you heard about Canadians or American expats celebrating Labor Day in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com