The holiday began in 1882, originating from a desire by the Central Labor Union to create a day off for the “working man”. It is still celebrated mainly as a day of rest and marks the symbolic end of summer for many.

Most countries celebrate Labour Day on May 1, known as May Day.

In Australia, the Labour Day public holiday is fixed by the various states and territories’ governments, and so varies considerably. It is the first Monday in October in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and South Australia. In both Victoria and Tasmania, it is the second Monday in March (though the latter calls it Eight Hours Day). In Western Australia, Labour Day is the first Monday in March. In both Queensland and the Northern Territory, it is the first Monday in May.

Labour Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September in Canada since the 1880s.

In New Zealand, Labour Day is a public holiday held on the fourth Monday in October.