Labor Day in the United States falls on Monday, Sept. 3 in 2018. It’s always the first Monday in September.
Labor Day is one of 10 federal holidays. The remaining federal holidays in 2018 are Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In 2019, Labor Day will fall on Sept. 2.
Hundreds of Union members held a rally and marched down Broad Street in a Labor Day parade in Newark last year. (Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
Labor Day is “a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers,” the U.S. Department of Labor says.
In short, it recognized the achievements of union who fought for a 40-hour work week, paid vacation and improved conditions in the workplace.” Supporters pushed for Labor Day to be celebrated in early September to bridge the long gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving without a weekday off.
Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894. New Jersey was one of a handful of states to recognize the holiday in 1887, though.
While, it’s not know for sure who first proposed the holiday, a man with strong ties to New Jersey figures prominently in the discussion. Matthew Maguire pitched the idea in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. He later served as secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson.
All the major supermarkets — Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Acme and ShopRite — will be open for business if you’re hosting a barbecue during the extended weekend holiday. Some will close a bit earlier than normal for a Monday, though.
Same goes for malls and big box stores such as Walmart, Costco, Target and Sam’s Club.
Check with your local store or specific hours.
No, mail will not be delivered on Labor Day. Labor Day is one of the United States Postal Service’s 10 holiday.
Mail resumes on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
Again, no. There is no domestic or international delivery, though UPS’ Express Critical service is available.
FedEx observes the holiday. There will be no deliveries.
New Jersey’s motor vehicle offices are closed on Labor Day ,so you’ll have to choose a different day to renew licenses, register vehicles or get your car inspected.
Labor Day is the seventh of 12 holidays observed by the Motor Vehicle Commission in New Jersey.
Absolutely not. All state and federal courthouses in Florida are closed for the legal holiday along with all other local, county and state government offices.
There’s no trading on Labor Day as the stock exchange is closed. It’s one of nine weekdays this year when the stock market is not open.
The National Weather Service forecast says the run of sunny, warm weather should continue on Labor Day with highs near 90 for much of New Jersey. Expect cooler temperatures at the Jersey Shore.
