International Labor Day 2024: History And Facts

Every year on May 1, people around the world come together to celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as International Labour Day. It is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of working people across every industry and sector.

It is not just about celebrating their hard work but also about empowering them to be aware of their rights.

In many countries, Labour Day is also a national holiday. This enables businesses to start unique initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of its staff members, which is a real indication of the importance companies have on their workers.

Origin of International Labour Day

The origins of International Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States. The specific date of May 1 was chosen to commemorate a nationwide strike for an eight-hour workday, which began on that day in 1886. However, this important event culminated in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, a regrettable incident in which a labour protest turned violent. The bomb blast claimed the lives of seven police officers and at least four civilians.

Hardik Pandya was fined Rs 24 Lakh for continuing to maintain a slow overrate.

An important event in the history of Labor Day is the Haymarket affair, which took place in Chicago in 1886. On May 1 of that year, workers gathered in Haymarket Square to peacefully demonstrate for an eight-hour workday. However, the protest turned violent when a bomb exploded, likely causing casualties among both police officers and protesters.

Why was May 1 chosen as World Labour Day?

The date of May 1 was significant because it commemorates the Haymarket Riot – a bomb explosion during a labour strike in Chicago in 1886. That year, a general strike for an eight-hour workday began on May 1. Four days after the protest, an unidentified man threw a bomb. The police responded by firing at the protesters, killing at least four people.

In 1889, the Second International, a body of socialist and labour parties, held a meeting in Paris after French trade unionist Raymond Lavigne called for a worldwide protest on the 1890 anniversary of the Chicago demonstrations.

In 1890, May Day protests took place in the US and Europe. In 1891, another meeting of the Second International gave May Day the status of a formal annual event.

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Facts about International Labor Day

Although International Labor Day originated in memory of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, Labor Day in Canada and the USA is not celebrated on May 1 but on the first Monday of September.

May Day is celebrated in more than 80 countries.

In India, the first May Day was celebrated in 1923 by the Labor Kisan Party of Hindustan in Chennai (then Madras).

Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are both celebrated on May 1 as well.

Canada celebrated Labor Day in 1872, 10 years before the United States.