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International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed annually on May 1 to honor the dedication and contributions of workers across the globe.

Key Highlights:

• Observed On: May 1
• Also Known As: International Workers’ Day, May Day
• Purpose: To commemorate the contributions of workers and honor the global labor movement's struggles and achievements.

Historical Background

• Origin: The roots of International Labour Day trace back to Chicago, USA, where on May 1, 1886, workers launched a strike demanding an 8-hour workday.
• The protest culminated in the Haymarket Affair on May 4, 1886, when a bomb explosion led to the deaths of six police officers and several civilians, marking a major milestone in labor rights activism.
• In 1889, the Second International (Paris) declared May 1 as a day of international workers’ solidarity.

Global Observance

• Observed in over 160 countries, including India, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Vietnam, among others.
• Celebrated through parades, union meetings, and public demonstrations advocating workers’ rights and social justice.

Country-wise Observance Differences

• India: First observed in 1923 in Chennai by the LabourKisan Party of Hindustan. It is a public holiday, widely recognized across the country.
• United States: Despite its historical origin, the U.S. celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September, officially declared in 1894 after the Pullman Strike. The shift was made to distance the holiday from socialist and communist affiliations.
• Canada: Also celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September, following U.S. traditions, though May 1 has some informal recognition by trade unions.
• United Kingdom: Celebrates a related holiday called the Early May Bank Holiday on the first Monday of May, which may or may not fall on May 1. It is not explicitly labor-themed like in other countries.

Significance

• Serves as a global reminder of workers’ rights, the historical fight for humane working conditions, and the ongoing struggles of labor communities.
• Symbolizes solidarity among workers across nations, cutting across political ideologies and economic systems.