Labour Day 2025 Observances and Actions, September 1, 2025

TORONTO / NEW YORK, September 1, 2025 - On this Labour Day, rallies, parades, protests, and official statements across Canada and the United States honored the contributions of workers and spotlighted ongoing labour concerns.

United States: Nationwide Protests and Cultural Parades

A coalition of labour unions, community groups, and advocacy organizations coordinated “Workers Over Billionaires” actions in over 1,000 events across all 50 states to protest economic inequality and corporate influence in government. Organizers under the May Day Strong banner called for collective action against policies they say favor the wealthy at the expense of working families.

In major cities, traditional parades and cultural festivals drew millions:

  • New York City hosted its West Indian American Day Parade along Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway, featuring vibrant costumes, steel-pan music, and Caribbean dance troupes as part of the city’s largest cultural celebration.
  • Philadelphia held its 38th Annual Labour Day Parade, beginning at the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union Hall and proceeding toward Penn’s Landing.
  • Pittsburgh combined its Labour Day Parade with Rib Fest, the Steelers Run & Walk 5K, free concerts, and a college football game downtown.
  • Smaller communities such as Boonville, Indiana (139th Annual Parade) and Mendham, New Jersey (parade and carnival) continued long-standing hometown traditions emphasizing community and family fun.

Federal offices, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service were closed for the holiday, while major retailers and grocery chains operated on modified schedules.

Canada: Celebrations and Government Statement

Across Canada, unions and community groups celebrated with parades, picnics, and rallies under the theme “A Canada for Workers: Made Here, Paid Here.” Highlights included:

  • Toronto: The Toronto & York District Labour Council’s parade began at Nathan Phillips Square, featuring family-friendly attractions-live music, face painting, and a post-march gathering at the CNE grounds. Unifor’s Ontario Regional Council led a rally demanding stronger job protections and affordability measures.
  • Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax, and other regional centres hosted labour council events with speeches, barbecues, and community picnics.

Prime Minister Justin Carney issued a statement emphasizing the government’s partnership with unions to build a “fairer economy that benefits everyone,” highlighting recent gains in minimum wage, workplace safety, and worker benefits as the legacy of organized labour struggles.

Labour Day’s Evolving Significance

What began in the 19th century as a worker solidarity movement remains both a cultural festivity and a platform for political advocacy. This year’s observances underscored rising labour activism in sectors like technology and healthcare, and the continuing importance of solidarity actions to secure fair wages, safe workplaces, and economic justice for all.