Every year on May 1, countries across the globe mark International Labour Day — also known as May Day — to honour the contributions of workers and promote awareness about their rights and protections. It is a day not only to recognise the efforts that have built economies and shaped societies, but also to encourage continued advocacy for safe, fair, and equitable working conditions.

The origins of Labour Day

International Labour Day has its roots in the 19th-century labour movement in the United States. The date was chosen to commemorate the nationwide strike that began on May 1, 1886, as workers demanded an eight-hour workday. This movement culminated in the tragic Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where a peaceful protest turned violent following a bomb blast, resulting in the deaths of seven police officers and at least four civilians.

This incident became a turning point in the labour rights movement, symbolising the sacrifices made by workers in pursuit of dignity and justice in the workplace.

Why Labour Day matters?

Over the decades, Labour Day has become a powerful symbol of the fight for workers’ rights across the world. It serves as a reminder of the hard-earned victories of the past — such as shorter working hours, minimum wage laws, and improved workplace safety — while also spotlighting the ongoing challenges faced by workers in different sectors.

The day is also dedicated to empowering labourers by educating them about their rights and helping prevent exploitation. It highlights the crucial role the workforce plays in nation-building and encourages continued efforts to improve working conditions globally.

How it is celebrated

In many nations, Labour Day is a public holiday marked by rallies, marches, and educational events that pay tribute to workers’ contributions. Posters and banners often carry strong messages advocating labour rights, while seminars and public addresses bring attention to both past progress and future goals.

Countries including China, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, and Tunisia observe 1 May as a national holiday, with various commemorative events held nationwide.

Facts you may not know

  • Although Labour Day traces its origins to events in the United States, both the US and Canada observe the holiday in September — on the first Monday of the month.

  • May Day is officially recognised and celebrated in more than 80 countries.

  • India’s first Labour Day celebration took place in 1923 in Chennai (then Madras), led by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

  • In India, May 1 also marks Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, celebrating the formation of the two states in 1960.

  • Canada’s first Labour Day observance was held in 1872, predating official recognition in the United States by several years.