Published 10:22 IST, May 1st 2024

International Labour Day 2024: Learn About The History And Significance Of May Day

Every year on May 1st, International Labour Day is observed to raise awareness of the rights and well-being of the working class. Here's what you need to know.

Reported by: Pritam Saha
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May day 2024: The world joins together to celebrate International Workers' Day, also known as International Labour Day, on May 1st of each year. It is a day set aside to recognize the contributions made by laborers across all fields and industries. It's important to empower them to know their rights in addition to praising their hard work. Labour Day is even observed as a national holiday in various nations. This enables businesses to start unique initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of their staff members, which is a real indication of the importance companies have to their workers.

Origin of International Labour Day

This year's International Workers' Day, or May Day 2024, falls on a Wednesday, May 1. Today is devoted to celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of workers throughout as well as the rights and opportunities that they have access to.  

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An important turning point in labour history occurred on May 1st, 1886, when American labor unions began a strike in support of an eight-hour workweek. The terrible events of May 4, 1886, in Chicago's Haymarket Square, where a peaceful protest descended into violence following a bomb explosion, killing both civilians and police officers, were the high point of the strike.

The Chicago protests served as inspiration for the decision to celebrate May Day every year, which was made after a convention in Paris in 1889. The International's 2nd Congress officially recognized May Day as an annual event in 1891 thanks to Raymond Lavigne's call for worldwide demonstrations to celebrate the anniversary of the Haymarket events.

On May 1, 1923, in India, the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, under the leadership of Comrade Singaravelar, convened two important meetings to commemorate this event. The first May Day celebrations were held in Chennai.

May Day Interesting Facts 

  • Over 80 countries observe May Day.
  • India's first May Day was observed in 1923 by The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in Chennai, then known as Madras.
  • Although the origins of International Labor Day may be traced back to the remembrance of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September rather than May 1 in Canada and the USA.
  • On May 1, people also celebrate Gujarat Day and Maharashtra Day.

May Day 2024: Celebrations And Significance

Around the world, Labor Day is observed with a variety of activities and celebrations. These festivities honor the contributions of laborers and the labour movement through marches, parades, speeches, and cultural events. Labour Day is celebrated as a national public holiday in many nations, giving employees a chance to take a well-earned break and evaluate how far they've come in defending their rights and enhancing their working circumstances.

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This yearly celebration serves as a potent reminder of the continuous fight for social justice as well as the vital role that laborers play in the foundation of our communities. By acknowledging the labor force's dedication, we can work together to create a future in which social justice and good work are essential to a healthy global economy.

May Day: Wishes And Messages

I salute all the laborers who work so hard to support the many industries and deliver services today. Let's all rejoice at the existence of workers both inside and outside the nation. Greetings on International Workers' Day.

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Every employee must be handled with respect and decency. Wishing you a great International Workers' Day.

I sincerely appreciate the effort and passion you have invested in each and every project you have taken on. I hope you have an amazing International Workers' Day.

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I hope you enjoy your International Workers' Day. Always remember that laborers are creators and an invaluable resource for any nation. Thus, it is imperative that all employees get respectful treatment and that their rights are always recognized.

Maintain a positive outlook, put forth a lot of effort, and fulfill all of your obligations. Nobody can deny the success of those who put their all into their work. Enjoy a fantastic International Workers' Day.
 

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10:22 IST, May 1st 2024