Date: from around mid-19th century Other names: May Day.wikipedia International Workers DayInternational Labour Day (労働者の日) is a national holiday in Japan that takes place on 1 May. This year in 2025 stands out as it’s the 139th anniversary of the Haymarket incident in Chicago, which is a really important part of labour history. This blog explores Labour Day, the origins, history and modern relevance of it, and why it still remains one of the more important dates in the modern calendar.
History of International Workers’ Day
The origin of May Day goes back to the 19th century and the industrial labor movement in the United States. 8) On May 1, 1886, striking workers in Chicago are calling for the eight-hour workday. The movement reached its peak in the Haymarket affair of May 4, when a bomb was thrown at police officers during a peaceful protest, resulting in the deaths of police officers and civilians. It was no doubt a tragedy, but one that shed light on the urgent need for labour reforms and brought the issue of workers’ rights into the international limelight.
In 1889, the Second International — an international federation of socialist parties and trade unions — designated that May 1 be International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day, in honor of the Haymarket affair and to support worker rights worldwide. The day symbolized the grievances and accomplishments of the labour movement.
Labour Day in India: A Background Note
History In India India’s first association with Labour Day took place in 1923 when the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan conducted the first May Day celebration in Madras (presently Chennai). This became the start of a national recognition of workers rights. These celebrations marked the first time the red flag symbolizing the labour movement was hoisted in India.
Throughout the years, Labour Day has been hosted in different states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and Maharashtra. They are also called by other names in other regions, for example – ‘Kamgar Din (in Hindi)’, ‘Kamgar Divas (in Marathi)’ and ‘Uzhaipalar Naal (in Tamil)’. The observance raises the significance of the workers in nation-building and the necessity for labour reforms.PM Modi had on Sunday greeted the nation on the occasion of Labour Day, calling the workforce an “engine of the Indian economy”.
Relevance of Labour Day Today
Further progress and continuing misconduct International Labour Day as it is celebrated today is a time for reflection on the wins for workers and the losses we still face. Although some nations have passed stipulations to safeguard their labor force, and with the assistance of other nations, workers still face the challenge with job insecurity, poverty pay and dangerous workplaces. Labour Day is a time to think about these struggles and call for policies that protect the rights and dignity of all workers.
The day also recognizes the contributions of key workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers, delivery workers, and other front-liners have showed resilience and dedication, highlighting the importance of workers in society.
International Celebrations and Observances
International Labor Day is observed in countries around the world, although with different customs and practices. It sees parades, demonstrations and speeches calling for workers’ rights in many countries around the world. In France, it’s marked by marches and meetings, and in America, it’s honored as Labour Day on the first Monday of September, a change from the initial May 1 observance.
Labour Day in some countries is also associated with other events. For instance, in India it is also the day that the states of Maharashtra and of Gujarat were formed in 1960. This double commemoration mirrors the mullti-dimensional aspect of that day in the Indian sense of it.
Labour Unions and Organizations
The labor unions are instrumental in fighting for the rights of the worker and towards creating better working conditions. These organizations bargain with employers for better pay, benefits, and workplace safety policies. They also offer legal assistance to workers and engage in lobbying to shape labour-related laws.
Units that promote acceptable labour conditions International entities such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) strive to establish international labour standards and develop and promote policies that lead to decent work. Through the organization’s goals, the ILO aims to eradicate child labor, provide equal opportunities to women, and secure the social protection of employees.
Next Read: Children’s Day and its importance.
New Labor Problems in the New Era
Still, times were not without their tribulations. Precarious working conditions have accompanied the ascendance of the gig economy, where workers often have neither job security nor benefits. Moreover, industries are being disrupted with automation and artificial intelligence leading to potential loss of jobs and need for upskilling.
What’s more,transnational supply chains are often rife with exploitative labour practices, notably in less developed countries. Workers in these regions could also suffer long hours, low wages and unhealthy working environment, making international collaboration on the enforcement of labor standards paramount.
The Future of Labour Day
In the future, International Labour Day will remain an opportunity for articulating the claim for workers’ rights and for coping with the new challenges it brings. “Tackling fairness in the digital economy, supporting fair and sustainable work, and protecting workers facing new technologies will be in the spotlight.”
Education programmes will be key to providing workers with the skills to adjust to shifting labour demands. To the extent possible, promoting international workers solidarity may be an effective way to enhance efforts against exploitation and in favor of fair labor worldwide.
Conclusion
On International Labour Day 2025, it is time to reflect on how far we have come since then and the work still to be done. It’s a day to celebrate the work of all workers and to pledge to continue working toward a more fair and just world for everyone. As we mark this day, let us reflect on past struggles and strive for a future where every worker is appreciated and respected.
FAQs
Why do people celebrate Labour Day on May 1?
May 1st is known as Labour Day to mark the the Haymarket affair which took place in Chicago in 1886, where workers were demonstrating for an eight hour working day.
Is Labour Day a public holiday in India?
Labour Day is a holiday in Indian states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
How can I take part in Labour Day festivities?
Join by attending local events, advocating for workers’ rights, or learning and sharing the significance of fair labour practices.
Us and world What does the red flag mean on Labor Day?
The red flag is emblematic of the labour movement and worker struggles for their rights and dignity.
How has the position of workers changed?
The worker’s role has progressed from a manual labor job to an adequately skilled worker who can operate complex work machineries, with a priority on seeking higher education and exercising craftsmanship and innovation, by means of fair treatment (occupation, workplace safety, fair wages).
Recent News
May Day: Bay Area anti-Trump protests planned in dozens of cities, at airports and Dockers rallies
By – Associated Press -More than a dozen protests are planned for May Day in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a march through San Francisco and a rally in the East Bay. Protesters have planned demonstrations in several cities, such as San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Pleasanton and San José. One high-profile event at Civic Center will be hosted by the SF Labor Council, which is planning to hold a rally that includes speakers such as union leaders and community organizers, and then a march down Market Street. The planned protests are part of a wider campaign to support workers’ rights and resist the policies of the Trump administration. May Day is rooted in the American labor movement and is now a platform for social and political activism. (Thousands of anti-Trump protesters to flood Bay Area for May 1) Dozens of anti-Trump protests planned for Bay Area’s May Day
French baker faces €79,000 fine for working on Labour Day
Published: last week; Jean-François Bandet