Labour Day

This article is about Labour Day observances in different countries. For the workers' holiday held on 1 May.

Countries and dependencies coloured by observance of International Workers' Day or a different variant of May Day or Labour Day:

Why is Labour Day celebrated?

Before a formal Labour Day came into place, deaths, injuries and dangerous working conditions were very common among the working class globally. During the rise of industrialisation, the US exploited the working class during the 19th century and made them work up to 15 hours a day under rigorous conditions.

The rising death of the workforce in industries forced the working class to raise their voice for their safety. After efforts made by the workers and socialists, eight-hours was declared as the legal time for the workers in the national convention at Chicago in late 19th century by the American Federation of Labor.

History of International Labour Day:

The origin of Labour Day goes back to an incident in Chicago on May 4, 1886 known as the Haymarket Affair. On this day workers assembled as part of a peaceful rally in a strike demanding an eight-hour work day. An unknown person threw a dynamite bomb at the police as they acted to disperse the meeting, and the bomb blast and ensuing gunfire resulted in the deaths of seven police officers and at least four civilians; dozens of others were wounded.
The Chicago protests are now celebrated as Labour Day on 1 May. These protests led to many countries, including India, following an eight hour work day. The first Labour Day in India was celebrated on 1 May, 1923, in Chennai. It was organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.