Labor Day 2026

Celebrating the American Worker

The unmatched grit and ingenuity of the American Worker have forged the greatest nation on earth. The Trump Administration proudly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with these Americans, driving an America First agenda that fuels domestic manufacturing and a historic blue-collar boom.  

This Labor Day, we unapologetically celebrate every hardworking American — from the factory floor to the fields, and the office to the front lines — who keeps our country strong and prosperous. 

The America First Economy in Action

Learn more about how we’ve delivered for workers under the Trump Administration:

Sparks fly as a worker welds

Expanding apprenticeship opportunities

New guidance for Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders clarifies how workforce Pell grants can support apprentices in in-demand occupations. 

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An older worker supervises a younger one who is using a cutting tool

Strengthening apprenticeship pipelines

A new framework will support effective pre-apprenticeships that lead to Registered Apprenticeships.

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Two workers examine electrical equipment outside

Making work pay

Whether you want to maximize your earnings, open an ABLE account, or navigate your government benefits, our new hub has tools to help disabled Americans secure their financial future.

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The WorkWise app icon

Simplifying compliance

Updates to our mobile app timesheet, now called WorkWise Timesheet, provide streamlined tools for tracking regular work hours, breaks, overtime, and pay for both employees and employers.

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Unemployment insurance

Strengthening State UI Programs

New guidance will help states fight unemployment insurance fraud, accelerate benefit payments, and connect unemployed workers to jobs faster.

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A service member drives an excavator

Supporting American heroes

A new opinion letter clarifies protections against retaliation for service members (and those who support them) under USERRA, while providing employers with clear compliance guidance.

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A man stands with his arms crossed in front of a dock

Protecting American jobs

Imported goods linked to forced labor drive down prices and undercut U.S. business. Hear from a fourth-generation shrimper about how we’re fighting for American jobs.

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A man in business clothes holds a bar of nickel with Alaskan scenery in the background

Securing American supply chains

This Alaska nickel project is one example of how the U.S. is strengthening supply chain security, promoting fair competition, and ensuring American industries and workers thrive.

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A construction worker carries a stop sign in one hand and a lunch box in the other

Deciphering break rules

In response to a question about lunch breaks, we issued an opinion letter to clarify rules around meal periods under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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Hendrickson employees hold a STAR worksite flag

Recognizing safety stars

We're modernizing OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs to recognize America’s safest worksites. By partnering with workers and employers, we’re building stronger, safer workplaces.

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A man trains a dog using a treat

Explaining volunteering guidelines

We issued a new opinion letter explaining relevant requirements when nonprofit employees volunteer for their organization outside their normal work hours.

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A female restaurant worker stands behind a bar counter

Demystifying tip pools

We frequently receive questions from restaurant employers and workers about tip pools. Our latest opinion letter on this topic provides guidance on tip pooling and supervisors who also bartend.

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A piggy bank, calculator, and stethoscope

Promoting benefit plan innovation

A recently issued advisory opinion provides insights for employer groups and associations that maintain an employee welfare benefit plan.  

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Close-up of a hand inserting a paper ballot into a box

Advancing union election fairness

We published a new advisory opinion on the role of the Labor Department in intervening when a union member believes there has been an election violation.

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An MSHA employee talks with a miner at an outdoor site

Keeping miners safe

We are overhauling the structure of alternative case resolution procedures to help mine operators comply with safety and health requirements and reduce costs.

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The U.S. flag with a church steeple visible in the background.

Supporting workers of faith

As part of the Center for Faith’s efforts to partner with faith-based organizations on federal grants, we’ve compiled resources about common wage and hour issues relevant to faith groups.

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A stethoscope on papers next to a computer

Streamlining healthcare enforcement

Newly released enforcement guidance will provide practical compliance assistance to employers, health plans, and health insurers.

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Workers First: Our Promise

Labor Department leaders share how we're celebrating workers this Labor Day, and supporting them all year long.

Labor Day 2026, Celebrating the American Worker. Four professional people stand in front of an American flag. The DOL seal is visible.
Watch Watch

Freedom250: Building a Nation

Two hundred and fifty years ago, this nation wasn't just declared. It was built by the sheer grit of Americans who believed in a better future.  

Today, that same determination runs in the veins of the American Worker. The U.S. Department of Labor continues to celebrate America’s 250th birthday by recognizing the achievements, contributions, and sacrifices of the men and women who have carried on the American Dream for generations.

A display of a large labor history timeline at DOL headquarters

In the News

Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling has been touring the country this summer in support of President Trump's America First agenda. Here's some coverage of how the Department of Labor is supporting American workers around the nation.