After an attempt to quell a union strike that resulted in the death of several union workers, President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday in an effort to mend the bridge between workers and the government.
Over 100 years later, as Summer comes to an end, nothing reminds us that Fall is around the corner like Labor Day weekend. For many families, school has begun, and this is the last extended summer weekend to enjoy with the entire family. For families with custody orders, wondering who gets Labor Day weekend can cause stress and strife.
Holidays and Co-Parenting
Before the start of each school year, it is always a good idea to review the school calendar to ensure that all school and national holidays are noted in personal calendars. Further it is important to review holiday schedules set forth in parenting plans (custody and visitation orders or agreements).
When reviewing your custody orders, look at the Holiday Schedule and see if Labor Day is a designated holiday. If not, it may go to the parent who would regularly have that weekend. Look at the orders to see if weekends are extended to three-day weekends. If so, the parent who usually has the weekend would have their time extended into the Monday holiday.
If your custody orders are silent as to holidays or you have no custody orders, speak with your other parent to determine who will have your child(ren) for the holiday. It is always best to communicate visitation issues in writing. There there is a paper trail for both parents to reference. Remember always to keep your communications polite and direct. This applies even if the other parent answers your request in a negative manner. At the end of the day, no matter what time you have with your children, make the best of that time. Create traditions and memories with them regardless of whether you get the actual holiday.
Our union workers fought hard to give us two-day weekends, 40-hour work weeks, and many other labor benefits we take for granted today. They fought hard for our labor rights, so we do not have to. Remember the reason and the bloodshed that led to it becoming a national holiday. When speaking with your co-parent, do not mirror the fight between the government and union workers over 100 years ago. Communicate peacefully in honor of this day that our ancestors fought so hard for. Your children deserve positive, happy memories filled with love and laughter over the Labor Day weekend.
To show our labor support, Burgos Santoyo Smith offers a union discount. Contact us if you have questions about modifying your custody orders or holiday schedules.