International Labour Day 2023: Labour Day, also known as May Day, is a holiday honoring the achievements and sacrifices made by employees for society. Every year on May 1, Labour Day—also known as International Workers Day—is held to defend the legal rights of the laboring class. To honor the labour’s and the working class for their contribution to society and the economy, May Day 2023 will be observed on May 1, Monday.
International Labour Day 2023: Date
On May 1, 2023, India will observe Labour Day, a day meant to honor the contributions and labour of all workers and members of the working class who have labored to advance the economy and meet the demands of the populace and the system as a whole.
International Labour Day 2023: History
This day, which is solely dedicated to workers, has its origins in the US labour movement. Numerous labour unions in the USA went on strike on May 1st, 1886, as part of a historical movement to protest the appalling working conditions. They pushed for an eight-hour workday. The management is required to provide additional remuneration on top of regular earnings even if the number of hours worked is increased. On May 4, revolutionaries detonated a bomb to bring about this radical change in labour laws, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of people.
The eight-hour workday soon became the global standard in many nations, despite the protest not having an immediate impact. Additionally, workers should only be asked to put in 8 hours a day, as required by law. This is why this day was selected for speeches, marches, and other public events. In the United States, Russia, India, and other nations, it is a prominent public holiday.
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International Labour Day 2023: Significance
World Labour Day, marked on May 1 every year, honors the hardships and accomplishments of the working class. Countries like Uruguay, Sweden, France, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and many more celebrate this historic day as a national holiday. However, this day is observed annually on the first Monday in September by residents of the USA and Canada. This day was originally observed in India in 1923. In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in May 1923, the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan held its first official celebration in India.
Why is May Day Celebrated?
May Day, also known as Labour Day, gained significance as American workers began to demonstrate against restrictive labour laws, poor working conditions, long hours, and other violations of their rights. To recognise the workers’ empowerment and subsequent struggles in the years that followed, this day is observed. In the course of this protest, numerous additional protesters joined, and the US eventually started to recognise eight-hour workdays. As a result, we commemorate this day to honour the struggles of the working class. Additionally, this day highlights the achievements of workers and increases public awareness of their liberal rights.
How is May Day Celebrated?
This particular day honors the infamous Haymarket Riot that occurred in the US in 1886. However, May Day didn’t start in India until 1923. Numerous labor organisations from around the world hold activities and children’s competitions on this day. Trade unions and employees are now pushing to give economic reforms a human face and protect their interests, which has changed the course of the celebration. The May Day event in England consists of Moris dancing or dancing around a maypole.
The public sector, including government and public agencies, educational institutions, and colleges, are all closed on International Labour Day in India. Workers’ speeches, union leaders’ addresses, and cultural celebrations are customary during this historic day.
