The Significance and History of International Labour Day

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. The day is marked with various celebrations, parades, and demonstrations by trade unions, workers’ organisations, and socialist groups and also campaigns for the betterment of their employees. The day is a time for workers to come together and show their solidarity for the cause of worker’s rights. May Day is an important reminder that the fight for worker’s rights and social justice must continue.

The origin of International Labour Day or May Day can trace back to the late 19th century in the United States. In the 1800, workers in industrialised countries were working long hours (more than 12 to 16 hours), with little pay and no job security. Many were struggling to make ends meet, and working conditions were often hazardous and unhealthy.

In 1886, Labor Union in the United States organised a nationwide strike to demand an eight-hour workday. The strike began on May 1 and over 300,000 workers across the country took part. The movement continued for several days, with clashes between workers and police in some cities. Eventually the strike ended, and while the workers did not immediately achieve their goal of an eight-hour workday, they had brought attention to the cause and set the ground work for future labor movements. The movement spread across the world, and in 1889, The International Socialist Conference declared May 1st as International Labour Day to honour the struggle of the working class. This is the day to raise awareness about issues that affect workers, such as job security, fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social protection. In India, the first May Day was celebrated in Chennai (then Madras) in 1923 by The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

Every year the International Labour Day is celebrated with theme such as theme for 2022: “Universal Social Protection to End Child Labor”, 2019: “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”, 2015: “Construct the Future of Cameroon in Peace, Solidarity and Decent Work”. Well, these themes highlights the importance of decent work, social protection, sustainable development and other issues that affect workers around the world. They serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for worker’s rights and the need for continued advocacy and action to create a fairer and more just society.

“All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Kezhokhoto Savi
Advocate & Social Activist