International Labour Day or International Workers’ Day or simply Labour day often refer as May Day is observed annually on May 1 dedicated to all the workers and labours around the world. On this day, we honor the workers and laborers by marching for their rights against exploitation. It stemmed from an eight-hour labor union effort. It is commemorated as a public holiday in nations such as India, China, and Cuba.
History of International Labour Day or International Workers’ Day
This day originated as a union movement in the United States throughout the 19th century. The Marxist International Socialist Congress adopted a resolution urging that workers not be forced to work more than 8 hours each day, which has since become an event and is still observed on May 1 as Labour Day. It recognizes and celebrates people’s achievements and hard work all across the world.
In Europe, on July 14, 1988, the worldwide Congress of Socialist Parties recognized May 1 as ‘workers day of worldwide unity and solidarity for workers in Paris,’ with 1890 being the first time May Day was observed. Labor Day is commemorated on the first Monday of September in the United States and Canada.
Themes of the International Labour Day 2024
- 2024: “Social Justice and Decent Work for All”.
- 2023: “A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.”
- 2022: “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labor”.
International Events around the World International Labour Day 2024
- Many parts of Europe observe May 1 as a pagan holiday since it is the Gaelic Beltane, which celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of summer.
- In Roman times, May 1st was associated with the celebration since it marked the arrival of spring and was an occasion to honor the goddess of flowers, Flora. The festival ran from April 28 to May 3.
- May Day traditions such as crowning a May Queen, Morris dancing, and weaving around a Maypole became popular in medieval England
- Labour Day is a traditional holiday in India that began on May 1st, 1923, by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in Chennai (Madras).
- Today is a holiday in several states, including Assam, Bihar, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and West Bengal.
- It goes by many names, including Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas in Hindi, Kamgar Din in Marathi, and so on.
FAQ / People Also Ask
- When was First Labour day was celebrated – The first International Workers’ Day, commonly known as Labour Day, took place on May 1, 1889. The day was chosen to remember the Haymarket Riot in Chicago, which began on May 1, 1886, with hundreds of workers marching for an eight-hour workday.
