International Labour Day 2023: Every year, the occasion of International Labour Day is celebrated across the globe on May 01. Also known as May Day or Worker’s Day is observed to raise awareness and educate people about the importance and rights of workers. In several countries, Labour Day is a national holiday where several organisations organise campaigns for the betterment of their employees.
International Labour Day 2023: History And Significance
The first International Labour Day was celebrated on May 01, 1890, after the proclamation by the first International Congress of socialist parties in Europe on July 14th 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate May 01 every year as the ‘Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity.’
This date of May 01 was chosen because of the events happening on the other side of the Atlantic. The American Federation of Organised Trades and Labor Unions, in 1884, demanded an eight-hour workday, to come into effect as of May 01, 1886. This led to the general strike and the Haymarket (in Chicago) Riot of 1886. Three years later, the International Labour Day was created to honour the labour movements.
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International Labour Day 2023: Facts About May Day
1. It is celebrated in more than 80 countries.
2. Despite International Labour Day traces its origin to the commemoration of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, Labour Day in Canada and the USA is observed on the first Monday in September and not May 01.
3. The states of Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are also celebrated on May 01.
4. In India, the first May Day was celebrated in Chennai (then Madras) in 1923 by The Labour Kisan Party Of Hindustan.
5. Canada celebrated Labour Day in 1872, 10 years before the United States.