Context:
International Labour Day, popularly known as International Workers’ Day or May Day is observed on May 01 every year.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- International Labour Day
- History
- India’s association with Labour Day
International Labour Day
- International Labour Day is an annual celebration that takes place on 1 May.
- It is a day to honor and acknowledge the efforts of workers and labor movements.
- The day is celebrated in more than 80 countries, including India, Cuba, and China.
- Many people around the world hold rallies and marches to promote workers’ rights and to demand better working conditions. In some places, it is a public holiday, and workers are given the day off to celebrate.
Significance:
- International Labour Day commemorates the struggles and sacrifices made by workers’ and labor movements.
- It is a day to recognize the social and economic achievements of the labor movement and to highlight the ongoing struggles for workers’ rights and protections.
- Also known as May Day, the holiday has its roots in the United States and was originally established to demand an eight-hour workday.
- Today, it has become a global celebration of the contributions and value of workers and a reminder of the need to protect their rights and dignity.
History:
- The celebration of Labour Day has its roots in the labor movement of 19th century America.
- In 1886, Chicago workers organized a strike to demand an eight-hour workday on May 1st.
- Following a bomb explosion at a labor rally in Haymarket Square in Chicago, workers across the US joined forces to fight for their rights and better working conditions.
- In 1889, the International congress of socialist parties met in Paris and declared May 1 as Labour Day or Worker’s Day, which is now celebrated worldwide.
India’s association with Labour Day
- India’s association with Labour Day dates back to May 1, 1923, when the first celebration of the day took place in Chennai.
- The event was organized by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.
- In India, Labour Day is celebrated under various names in different states, such as Kamgar Din in Hindi, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, and Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu.
-Source: Indian Express
