International Workers' Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, is celebrated every year on May 1 around the world. The day is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement. The 1st of May is a national public holiday in many countries, in most cases as ‘International Workers' Day’ or a similar name like Labour Day. The day marks the struggles and sacrifices made by workers throughout history to secure basic rights and protections in the workplace. Events like the Haymarket affair in 1886 and other labour movements have shaped the modern labour movement and influenced labour laws around the world. In this article, let’s know more about the history and significance of International Workers' Day. May 2024 Festivals, Events and Holidays Calendar: Full List of Important Dates and Days in This Month.

International Workers' Day History

International Workers' Day originated as a commemoration of the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago, United States, in 1886. During a labour demonstration for an eight-hour workday, a bomb was thrown, leading to violent clashes between police and workers. In the aftermath, several labour activists were arrested, tried, and executed. The event led to the deaths of several police officers and civilians. The day serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of labour rights and advocating for improvements in working conditions, fair wages, benefits, and safety standards.

International Workers' Day Significance

International Workers' Day serves as a reminder of the historic struggles of workers and their fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and labour rights for workers around the world. The day serves as a perfect opportunity to honour the contributions of workers to society and to advocate for the improvement of their rights and well-being. Many countries mark the occasion with demonstrations, rallies, marches, and other events organized by labour unions and worker advocacy groups.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 29, 2024 03:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).