Labour Day 2023: A Day to Honour the Contributions of Workers Worldwide

International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated on the 1st of May every year to honour the contributions of workers and celebrate the societal and economic achievements that have been made. The origins of Labour Day date back to the 19th century when workers in the United States protested for better working conditions and workers' rights. 

Today, the day is observed across the world with parades, marches, speeches and rallies that demand workers' rights, better working conditions, and fair wages. In many countries, the day is a public holiday, and workers enjoy a day off from work.

International Labour Day

During the mass strike for an eight-hour workweek in 1886 in the United States, the concept of Labour Day first emerged. The strike began on May 1 and sadly came to an end in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, where a labour protest gathering turned violent after a bomb was hurled at the police, killing seven officers and four spectators. The American workers had travelled to express their demands because they were being expected to work 15 hours a day at the time of this protest.

The International Socialist Conference was place in 1889, three years after this uprising. It was determined that each worker would only be required to labour for eight hours. It was suggested during this meeting that Labour Day be observed on May 1 and it was also determined to declare a holiday on that day each year.

Following the American regulation requiring employees to put in eight hours per day of work, this rule was adopted in many other nations. In India, when did Labour Day begin?

History of Labour Day in India

The first Labour Day in India was observed on May 1, 1923, in Madras. The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan started it. This day is also celebrated in different parts of India under the name of Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Kamgar Din in Hindi, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, Thozhilaali Dinam in Malayalam, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, and Shromik Dibosh in Bengali.

The purpose of Labour Day celebrations in India is to honour and inspire labour's accomplishments.

Overall, Labour Day or May Day is an occasion of unity, celebration, and reflection. This day allows us to recognize and appreciate the community importance and beauty of nature.