Understanding the Difference in Labor Day Celebrations:

Why We Are Closed for Business Today, Sept 2nd, 2024?

As a shipping business based in the United States, we are committed to providing exceptional service to our valued customers in the Caribbean and beyond. However, today we are closed in observance of Labor Day, a significant holiday in the U.S, that celebrates the contributions of workers to the nation’s prosperity.

I am sure you know Labor Day being observed on May 1st, known as International Workers’ Day or May Day. It is celebrated by many countries around the world. This difference in dates often raises questions. So let’s take a closer look at the history and reasons behind these distinct celebrations.

 

The Origins of Labor Day in the United States

In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year. This holiday originated in the late 19th century.  It was during a time when the labor movement was gaining momentum, and workers were fighting for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safer working conditions. The first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It was organized by the Central Labor Union. The event was a significant success, leading other labor organizations to adopt the idea of a “workingmen’s holiday.”

By 1894, Labor Day had become a national holiday, signed into law by President Grover Cleveland. The choice of September was deliberate. It distanced the U.S. holiday from International Workers’ Day on May 1, which had connections to more radical labor movements. It also considers the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886, a violent confrontation between labor protesters and police. The U.S. government wanted to avoid further association with these events. So it opted for a September celebration to honor American workers in a manner that encouraged national unity and economic progress.

 

May 1st: International Workers’ Day

In contrast, the International Workers’ Day is celebrated on May 1st and has roots in the global labor movement. It is widely recognized as a day to honor the struggles and achievements of workers worldwide. This date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. It is a pivotal event in labor history that underscored the fight for the eight-hour workday. Today, May Day is observed in many countries with parades, protests, and various demonstrations advocating for workers’ rights and social justice.

 

Why We Are Closed Today

Today, as we celebrate Labor Day in the United States, our offices are closed, and our team is taking a well-deserved break to honor this tradition. We understand that many of our customers in the Caribbean and other regions may not observe this holiday on the same date. However, we believe it is essential to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our employees, who are the backbone of our company.

While we are closed today, rest assured that we will resume our operations promptly and continue to provide the reliable shipping services you count on. We thank you for your understanding and patience, and we wish you a productive and pleasant day.

In observance of Labor Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the contributions of workers everywhere, regardless of when the holiday is celebrated. It’s a day to appreciate the value of labor and the progress that has been made toward fair and equitable working conditions for all.

Happy Labor Day! We look forward to serving you again tomorrow.