International Labour Day

International Labour Day

International Labour Day also known as International Worker's Day is an official public holiday celebrated all over the world in various countries as an important international day. In more than 80 countries of the world Labour Day is observed on May 1 every year to pay tribute to the contribution of workers across the world. 

Labour Day has different origin stories in different countries and it is also observed on different dates like in USA labor day is observed on the first Monday in September. However, the common theme of labour day in all countries is the labour class taking a stand against the exploitation they were subjected to.

Labour Day (Labor Day in the United States) is observed to celebrate the achievements of workers. The day has its origins in the labour union movement specifically the eight-hour day movement that advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

History of Labour Day

The first May Day celebrations focused on workers took place on May 1st 1890 after its proclamation by the first international congress of socialist parties in Europe on July 14th 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate May 1st every year as the "Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity."

The date was chosen due to events on the other side of the Atlantic. In 1884 the American Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions demanded an eight-hour workday, to come in effect as of May 1st 1886. This resulted in the general strike and the Haymarket (in Chicago) Riot of 1886, but eventually also in the official sanction of the eight-hour workday.

May 1st is celebrated as May Day in most countries around the world. In the United Kingdom and Ireland the bank holiday isn't fixed on May 1st but instead is observed on the first Monday of May.