Labor Day Weekend 2015: What’s Open, Closed?

Labor Day, which is celebrated every year on the first Monday in September, is a creation of the late-19th-century labor movement to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American laborers. However, most U.S. workers know it as the last long weekend of the summer. The vast majority of Americans have the day off from work or school and will wrap up summer vacations or get one last swim in at local beaches. Those who want to run errands on the Monday holiday will find that most major public offices, financial institutions and other services are closed.

Postal offices will not be delivering mail on the Monday holiday. Packages shipped through UPS and FedEx services will be delayed and will not arrive on the Monday holiday. Amazon.com says the holiday delays its scheduled shipments.

Major banks covered by the Federal Reserve will be closed on Labor Day. It will typically take an additional business day for transactions and deposits made in stores and at ATMs to be reflected on checking-account and credit-card statements. For anyone trying to wire money to friends and family members, Western Union and MoneyGram will process transactions online, but hours at walk-in service locations vary.

Other services, such as state Department of Motor Vehicle locations and federal Social Security offices, are also scheduled to be closed. Hospitals never close, but some of their departments may have limited hours or will be closed. When in doubt, call ahead.

Some transportation agencies will operate on a reduced holiday schedule. Those who use buses, trains and light rail systems to commute to work on Labor Day should allow extra time for travel. Roadways and airports are typically busy for the Labor Day weekend.

Seasonal beaches in New York City and Long Island will be open with lifeguards on duty for the Labor Day weekend, but some will end their seasons on Sunday, Sept. 6. There is plenty of information available about New York beaches or, for information about beaches or lakes wherever you are, contact your local parks and recreation department.