International Labour Day 2024: Know the date, origin, and ...
International Labour Day 2024: Here's all you need to know (Source: Shutterstock)
International Labour Day 2024 Date and Theme: International Labour Day, also known as May Day or Workers Day, is annually observed on May 1 in more than 80 countries, including India, Cuba, China, and many others. The day is celebrated to recognise and honour the significant contributions of workers and mark the historic labour movement that aimed to promote workers’ rights and opportunities.
Initially observed as an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival, May 1 became associated with the labour movement in the late 19th century after trade unions and socialist groups designated it as a day in support of workers for better working conditions, fair wages, and shorter working hours.
The day is celebrated with various events, including parades, marches, and speeches, organized by left-wing parties and workers’ unions. Here’s everything one needs to know about May Day 2024, from the date to the theme and more.
May Day 2024: Date and originMay Day 2024, also known as International Workers’ Day, will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 1st, this year. This day is dedicated to recognising the contributions and achievements of workers worldwide and promoting workers’ rights and opportunities.
On May 1st, 1886, labour unions in the United States initiated a strike advocating for an eight-hour workday, a pivotal moment in labour history. The strike culminated in the tragic events of May 4th, 1886, at Chicago’s Haymarket Square, where a peaceful rally turned violent with a bomb explosion, resulting in casualties among both civilians and police officers.
Following a meeting in Paris in 1889, the decision to commemorate May Day annually was made, inspired by the Chicago protests. Raymond Lavigne’s proposal for international demonstrations to mark the anniversary of the Haymarket events laid the foundation for the official recognition of May Day as an annual event by the International’s 2nd Congress in 1891.
Fast forward to May 1st, 1923, in India, where the first May Day celebrations were organised in Chennai by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, led by Comrade Singaravelar, who arranged two significant meetings to honour this occasion.
Labour Day is celebrated with various events and festivities across the globe. From parades and marches to speeches and cultural performances, these celebrations serve to honour the contributions of workers and the labour movement. In many countries, Labour Day is observed as a national public holiday, allowing workers to take a well-deserved break and reflect on the progress made in securing their rights and improving their working conditions.
This annual observance is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and the crucial role that workers play in the fabric of our societies. By recognising the hard work and sacrifices of the labour force, we can collectively work towards a future where decent work and social justice are the cornerstones of a thriving global economy.
