While Europeans celebrate Labor Day on May 1, Americans have chosen the end of summer for the holiday: the first Monday in September. The American holiday has a long tradition, one that predates the European one.
Who had the idea of the first Labor Day is still being debated. Some say a certain Peter McGuire is responsible for the holiday. McGuire, the son of an Irish immigrant and carpenter by trade, fought hard for workers' rights and helped found trade unions.