If you have seen both Labor Day and Labour Day, you may wonder whether one is wrong. Both spellings are correct, but they are used in different places. Labor Day is the standard American spelling, while Labour Day is used in Canada and many other varieties of English.
There is also an important difference in the dates. In the United States and Canada, the holiday is observed on the first Monday of September. In many other countries, May 1 is celebrated as International Labour Day or International Workers’ Day.
So, if you are asking whether to write Labor Day or Labour Day, the answer depends on your audience and the country you mean.
Quick Answer
Labor Day and Labour Day are both correct spellings.
- Labor Day → American English, used for the U.S. holiday.
- Labour Day → Canadian English and commonly used in British English and other varieties.
- U.S. Labor Day → first Monday in September.
- Canadian Labour Day → first Monday in September.
- International Labour Day → May 1 in many countries.
- Labor and labour have the same basic meaning; the difference is mainly regional spelling.
For example:
Americans write Happy Labor Day!
Canadians write Happy Labour Day!
The spelling should match the English variety and holiday you are referring to.
Is It Labor Day or Labour Day?
The correct form depends on where you are writing.
In American English, the holiday is officially written Labor Day. The U.S. Department of Labor describes it as an annual celebration held on the first Monday in September.
In Canadian English, the standard spelling is Labour Day. Canada’s Language Portal specifically notes that the Canadian holiday is spelled Labour Day, while the American holiday is spelled Labor Day.
The difference comes from the broader spelling pattern between American and British-influenced English:
- American: labor
- British/Canadian: labour
- American: color
- British/Canadian: colour
- American: favor
- British/Canadian: favour
Therefore, neither labor nor labour is inherently wrong. Choose the spelling that fits your audience.
Why Is Labor Day Celebrated?
Labor Day is celebrated to recognize the contributions of workers and the labor movement.
In the United States, the holiday grew out of the labor movement of the late 19th century. Workers and labor organizations pushed for better working conditions, shorter hours, and greater recognition of working people. The first Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882.
Over time, the idea spread to more states. In 1894, Congress made the first Monday in September a legal national holiday.
Today, Labor Day is both a public holiday and a reminder of the role workers have played in building the country’s economy and communities.
The original celebrations also included parades, speeches, and gatherings. Modern celebrations are often more relaxed, but the connection to workers remains at the heart of the holiday.
Labor Day History: Where Did It Begin?
The history of Labor Day goes back to the industrial era, when organized workers were campaigning for better treatment and shorter working hours.
The first recorded Labor Day celebration was held in New York City on September 5, 1882. It was organized by the Central Labor Union and included a parade followed by a festival.
At the time, the holiday was not yet a national observance. Several states gradually adopted their own Labor Day laws. Oregon became the first state to recognize Labor Day through legislation in 1887, followed by several other states.
The federal government eventually gave the holiday national status. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making the first Monday in September a legal holiday.
The exact person who first proposed Labor Day is less certain. Historical accounts have credited both Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire.
The U.S. Department of Labor notes that recent evidence has strengthened the case for Matthew Maguire, although Peter McGuire has traditionally received much of the credit.
When Was the First Labor Day?
The first Labor Day celebration was held on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City.
It was organized by the Central Labor Union. Workers participated in a parade, and the event ended with a festival. This early celebration became the foundation for the holiday that later spread throughout the United States.
However, the first national Labor Day came later. In 1894, the U.S. government officially established the first Monday in September as the national holiday.
This distinction matters because the holiday existed before it became a federal holiday.
Why Was September Chosen for Labor Day Instead of May 1?
A common question is why the United States celebrates Labor Day in September when May 1 is associated with workers in many countries.
The answer is historical. The American Labor Day tradition developed around the September 1882 celebration in New York.
By the time the U.S. government made Labor Day a national holiday in 1894, the September date was already established in American public life.
May 1 developed through a different international labor tradition. The date became closely associated with the movement for a shorter working day and was later recognized as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day in many countries.
So, September Labor Day and May 1 Labour Day have related roots but are not simply two names for one identical holiday schedule.
1st May Labour Day: What Does It Mean?
May 1 Labour Day is commonly associated with International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day.
Its roots go back to the international labor movement and campaigns for shorter working hours. The International Labour Organization describes May 1 as a day connected with labor and worker solidarity, with roots in workers’ struggles of the 1880s.
The date became particularly important after the international movement adopted May 1 as a day for workers. As a result, many countries now observe May 1 as a workers’ holiday.
For example, a writer discussing a May 1 celebration might say:
International Labour Day is celebrated on May 1 in many countries.
That is different from saying:
Labor Day in the United States is celebrated on the first Monday in September.
Both statements can be correct because they refer to different national traditions.
International Labour Day vs. U.S. Labor Day
These holidays share a connection with workers and the labor movement, but their histories and dates developed differently.
| Holiday | Common spelling | Date | Main context |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Labor Day | Labor | First Monday in September | American workers and labor movement |
| Canadian Labour Day | Labour | First Monday in September | Canadian workers and labor movement |
| International Labour Day | Labour | May 1 | International workers’ movement |
The U.S. Department of Labor identifies the first Monday in September as the American Labor Day date, while the International Labour Organization describes May 1 as International Workers’ Day.
Therefore, May 1 is not the date of U.S. Labor Day.
Labour Day in the USA
When writing about the United States, use Labor Day, not Labour Day.
The U.S. holiday falls on the first Monday of September. In 2026, for example, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7.
The holiday is recognized as a federal legal holiday and is widely associated with a long weekend, worker recognition, parades, family gatherings, travel, and the end of the traditional summer holiday period. Its historical purpose, however, is rooted in the achievements and contributions of American workers.
So these are appropriate:
- Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States.
- Many Americans celebrate Labor Day in September.
- Happy Labor Day!
If your article is specifically about the U.S. holiday, Labor Day should be your main spelling.
Labour Day Canada: Is It Spelled With a U?
Yes. In Canada, the official spelling is Labour Day.
Canada observes Labour Day on the first Monday in September. Government of Canada resources use this spelling consistently.
Canada’s Labour Day tradition also has strong connections to workers’ rights and the labor movement. One important event occurred in Toronto in 1872, when thousands of workers supported the Toronto Typographical Union’s campaign for a shorter working day.
That history helps explain why Labour Day remains closely connected with workers and workplace rights in Canada.
So, for a Canadian audience, write:
Happy Labour Day!
rather than:
Happy Labor Day!
The latter follows American spelling.
What Day Is Labor Day?
In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September.
It does not have a fixed calendar date. Instead, the date changes from year to year because it is tied to the day of the week.
For example:
- 2024: September 2
- 2025: September 1
- 2026: September 7
- 2027: September 6
Canada also observes Labour Day on the first Monday of September.
This is why someone asking, “What day is Labor Day?” should first specify the year if they want the exact calendar date.
Why Did the U.S. Stop Celebrating May Day?
The United States did not simply replace its Labor Day with May Day. The two traditions developed differently.
May 1 became strongly associated with the international labor movement, particularly after demonstrations and campaigns connected with the eight-hour workday. The date later acquired political associations in various countries.
The United States, meanwhile, had already developed a separate September Labor Day tradition. The first U.S. Labor Day celebration occurred in 1882, and Congress established the first Monday in September as a national holiday in 1894.
So it is more accurate to say that the United States established and retained its own September Labor Day tradition, rather than saying that it simply stopped celebrating May Day and moved the holiday.
Do We Say “Happy Labor Day”?
Yes. “Happy Labor Day!” is a natural greeting in American English.
It is similar to greetings used for other holidays. You can use it in:
- Text messages
- Social media posts
- Emails
- Workplace messages
- Greeting cards
- Casual conversations
For example:
Happy Labor Day! Enjoy the long weekend.
For a Canadian audience, use the local spelling:
Happy Labour Day!
The greeting is fine in either country; only the spelling changes.
Is It Spelled Labour or Labor?
Both are correct.
Labor is the standard American spelling.
Labour is the standard spelling in British English and is also used in Canadian English.
The difference does not change the basic meaning of the word. It is a regional spelling difference, like center/centre or color/colour.
However, when the words form the name of a specific holiday, follow the spelling used in that country:
- Labor Day → United States
- Labour Day → Canada
- Labour Day / International Workers’ Day → commonly used for May 1 in many countries
This small distinction can make your writing look much more accurate.
A Simple Way to Remember the Difference
Use the U in Labour when writing for countries that use British-style spelling, including Canada.
For the United States, drop the U:
U.S. → Labor Day
Canada → Labour Day
A second memory trick is to connect the spelling with the country:
American = Labor
Canadian = Labour
This is especially useful when writing headlines, articles, emails, or social media posts for an international audience.
Common Mistakes With Labor Day and Labour Day
One common mistake is assuming that Labour Day is always the correct form because it is the older-looking spelling. That is not true. American English officially uses Labor Day.
Another mistake is assuming that May 1 is always Labor Day. In the United States and Canada, the workers’ holiday is observed in September. May 1 is associated with International Workers’ Day or Labour Day in many other countries.
A third mistake is mixing regional spellings in the same article without a reason. If you are writing about the United States, use Labor Day consistently. If you are writing about Canada, Labour Day is the better choice.
For a global article, you can use both and clearly explain the difference.
What Is a Fun Fact About Labor Day?
One interesting fact is that the first Labor Day celebration took place long before the holiday became a national U.S. holiday.
Workers gathered in New York City for the first Labor Day celebration on September 5, 1882. Twelve years later, in 1894, Congress established the first Monday of September as a national legal holiday.
Another interesting detail is that historians do not completely agree on who should receive sole credit for creating Labor Day. Both Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire have been associated with its origins.
What Color Represents Labour Day?
There is no single official color that universally represents Labour Day.
You may see red used in imagery connected with workers’ movements, trade unions, and May Day celebrations. However, that does not mean red is an official color of Labour Day everywhere.
The meaning and visual traditions can vary from country to country. Therefore, it is better not to claim that one particular color is the official Labour Day color unless a specific country or organization has formally designated one.
Is the U.S. the Only Country That Celebrates Labor Day?
No.
Many countries have holidays that recognize workers, although the name, date, spelling, and traditions differ.
The United States celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September. Canada celebrates Labour Day on the same day. Many other countries observe May 1 as Labour Day, International Workers’ Day, or a similar workers’ holiday.
This is why the terms can become confusing. A person in one country may use Labour Day to mean a May 1 holiday, while an American uses Labor Day to mean the September holiday.
The safest approach is to consider both the country and the date.
FAQs
1. Is it “Labor Day” or “Labour Day”?
Both are correct. Labor Day is the American spelling, while Labour Day is used in Canada and other varieties of English.
2. Is it spelled labour or labor?
Both spellings are correct. Labor is American English, while labour is used in British and Canadian English.
3. Do we say “Happy Labor Day”?
Yes. “Happy Labor Day!” is a natural American English greeting. In Canada, write “Happy Labour Day!”
4. Why is Labor Day celebrated?
It is celebrated to recognize workers and the contributions of the labor movement. In the United States, the holiday grew from late-19th-century efforts to recognize workers and improve working conditions.
5. Why was September chosen for Labor Day instead of May 1?
The U.S. Labor Day tradition began with a September celebration in New York in 1882. By 1894, when the holiday became national, the September date was already established.
6. When did Labor Day become a thing?
The first U.S. Labor Day celebration took place in 1882. It became a national legal holiday in 1894.
7. When was the first Labor Day?
The first Labor Day celebration was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City.
8. Who changed Labor Day to September?
There was no single person who simply “changed” Labor Day from May 1 to September. The U.S. developed its own September tradition beginning in 1882, and Congress officially established the first Monday in September as the national holiday in 1894.
9. Why did the U.S. stop celebrating May Day?
The U.S. did not simply move its existing Labor Day from May 1 to September. The American September holiday and the international May 1 tradition developed separately.
10. What day is Labor Day?
In the United States, Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September. Canada observes Labour Day on the same day.
11. What is a fun fact about Labor Day?
The first Labor Day celebration was held in New York City in 1882, but the national U.S. holiday was not established until 1894.
12. What color represents Labour Day?
There is no universally official color for Labour Day. Red is sometimes associated with workers’ movements and May Day, but its use varies by country and organization.
13. Is the U.S. the only country that celebrates Labor Day?
No. Many countries have workers’ holidays. The United States uses a September Labor Day, while many countries observe Labour Day or International Workers’ Day on May 1.
14. Is Labor Day the same as International Labour Day?
They are related because both recognize workers and have roots in labor movements, but they are not identical in date or national tradition. U.S. Labor Day is in September, while International Workers’ Day is commonly observed on May 1.
15. Why is Labour Day celebrated on May 1?
May 1 became associated with the international workers’ movement and campaigns for shorter working hours. It is now observed as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day in many countries.
16. Is Labour Day celebrated in Canada?
Yes. Canada celebrates Labour Day on the first Monday of September.
17. When is Labour Day in Canada?
Labour Day in Canada is observed on the first Monday of September.
18. What is the history of Labour Day?
Labour Day has roots in workers’ movements that sought better working conditions, shorter hours, and greater recognition of workers. In Canada, its history includes the 1872 Toronto workers’ campaign for a shorter workday, while the Canadian government officially designated the first Monday of September as Labour Day in 1894.
Conclusion
Labor Day and Labour Day are both correct, but the right choice depends on the country and context. Use Labor Day for the U.S. holiday and Labour Day for Canada and many other varieties of English.
In both the United States and Canada, the holiday falls on the first Monday of September. Meanwhile, May 1 is widely recognized as International Workers’ Day or Labour Day in many countries.
The key is simple: Labor = American spelling; Labour = Canadian and British-style spelling. Once you know the regional difference, the choice becomes easy.
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