Introduction to Labor Day
Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday of September, is one of the most common paid holidays in the U.S. It honors the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the United States. While many people get to enjoy the long weekend, not all workers have the day off.
Who Works on Labor Day?
Historically, 70 percent of U.S. workers have received a paid holiday on Labor Day. Technical and security workers are the most likely to work on Labor Day. Larger businesses are also more likely to have some workers report for work on Labor Day, with 80 percent of businesses with at least 1,000 employees requiring at least some of them to work.
Types of Workers Who Work on Labor Day
In addition to technical and security workers, other types of workers who may be required to work on Labor Day include:
- Professional employees
- Managers or supervisors
- Service and maintenance personnel
- Sales and customer service personnel
Non-Business Organizations
Non-business organizations, such as hospitals and government agencies, are also likely to have some employees work on Labor Day, with 56 percent of these organizations requiring some employees to work.
Labor Laws and Labor Day
Labor Day is one of the most common paid holidays, but there is no legal requirement for employers to give workers Labor Day (or any other day) off. Employers that choose to give their employees the day off are not required to pay them for the day. The Fair Labor Standards Act does not require organizations to pay employees for time they don’t work.
Paid Holidays
While paid holidays are not required by federal law, employees find this benefit appealing. Paid holidays are a nice perk that can attract candidates and improve employee morale, as they provide employees a much-needed break without the worries of loss of income.
Extra Compensation for Working on Labor Day
Although many employers pay those who work on Labor Day a little extra for their time, this is not required by law. Under federal law, holidays are seen as a typical business day and not designated as overtime. However, 86 percent of employers give some extra compensation to employees who work on Labor Day, such as time-and-a-half pay, double time, or another form of extra pay.
Deciding Who Should Work on Labor Day
When deciding which holidays to give employees off and how many, if any, employees should be required to work those days, employers should consider several factors, including fairness, religious holidays, additional compensation, and shortened schedules.
Factors to Consider
- Fairness: Employers should consider finding an equitable method to determine which employees get which holidays off and which employees will work.
- Religious Holidays: Employees may ask for holidays off that correspond to their religious beliefs, and employers should consider accommodating these requests.
- Additional Compensation: Some states require additional compensation or another day off in lieu of a holiday when an employee is scheduled to work while other employees get PTO.
- Shortened Schedules: If holiday operating hours will be shortened, employers should ensure that employees who are scheduled to work are notified in advance.
The History of Labor Day
The first U.S. Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The first Labor Day celebration was a parade planned by the Central Labor Union, in which 10,000 striking workers marched from City Hall to 42nd Street. It wasn’t until three years later that the holiday spread to other industrial centers of the country.
Offering Labor Day as a Paid Holiday
Offering Labor Day as a paid holiday is commonplace, and for many workers who receive a paid holiday, Labor Day is an opportunity to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends. However, certain job roles and functions may still be necessary on Labor Day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Labor Day is a common paid holiday in the U.S., not all workers have the day off. Technical and security workers, as well as larger businesses, are more likely to have some workers report for work on Labor Day. Employers should consider fairness, religious holidays, additional compensation, and shortened schedules when deciding who should work on Labor Day. By offering Labor Day as a paid holiday and providing extra compensation for those who work, employers can boost employee morale and provide a much-needed break for their employees.
