International Labour Day: Know History and Significance

International Labour Day: Know History and Significance

International Workers’ Day, also known as International Labour Day, is celebrated across the globe on May 1. The day is set aside in honour of workers and labourers across industries and sectors. The objective of the day is not only to celebrate the contribution of workers but also to empower them to understand their rights. In several countries, Labour Day is also a national holiday with many organisations backing special campaigns for the betterment of their employees.History of International Labour Day

The first May Day celebrations focused on workers took place on May 1st 1890 after its proclamation by the first international congress of socialist parties in Europe on July 14th 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate May 1 every year as the “Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity.”

The date was chosen due to events on the other side of the Atlantic. In 1884 the American Federation of Organised Trades and Labor Unions demanded an eight-hour workday, to come into effect as of May 1st 1886. This resulted in the general strike and the Haymarket (in Chicago) Riot of 1886, but eventually also in the official sanction of the eight-hour workday. Three years later, a French socialist party created an international day to honour the labour movement and marked May 1 in commemoration of the Haymarket Massacre.

What is the significance of Labour Day?

Labour Day is celebrated to acknowledge the workers’ struggles and subsequent empowerment in the late 19th century. The day is also celebrated to champion the cause of labour class emancipation.

When was Labour Day celebrated in India for the first time?

Labour Day was celebrated for the first time in India in 1923. The first formal celebration of the Labour Day in India was organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on May 1, 1923, in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai.

Is Labour Day celebrated under different titles in India?

Yes, The day is known as “Kamgar Din” in Hindi, “Karmikara Dinacharane” in Kannada,”Karmika Dinotsavam” in Telugu, “Kamgar Divas” in Marathi, “Uzhaipalar Dhinam” in Tamil, “Thozhilaali Dinam” in Malayalam and “Shromik Dibosh” in Bengali. In North India, however, Labour Day has lost significance as a holiday.