International Labor Day 2024: know the history and other important facts
Workers and the working class play a crucial role in the development of any country. Employees do most of the work at the grassroots level, which results in the prosperity of a nation. They are also considered as the backbone of the society and therefore it becomes necessary to take care of their problems. International Workers’ Day is celebrated every year on May 1 to raise awareness of the contribution that workers and the working class make to society. It is also called May 1.
May Day was initially seen as an ancient spring festival in the Northern Hemisphere, but by the end of the 19th century it became associated with the labor movement after socialist groups and unions supported workers’ demands for better working conditions, shorter working hours and fair wages. etc.
When did International Labor Day come about?
International Labor Day was first established in the late 19th century labor movement in the United States. In 1886, the specific date May 1 was chosen to commemorate a nationwide strike for an eight-hour workday. This event culminated in the Haymarket Affairs in Chicago, an unfortunate incident in which a workers’ protest escalated into violence. This resulted in the loss of the lives of seven police officers and at least four civilians.
On May 1, workers gathered in Haymarket Square to peacefully demonstrate for an eight-hour workday. However, the protest turned violent when a bomb detonated, causing casualties among both police officers and protesters.
Important facts about International Labor Day 2024
- International Labor Day has its origins in the commemoration of the Haymarket affair in Chicago. In the US and Canada, Labor Day is not celebrated on May 1, but on the first Monday of September.
- It is celebrated in more than 80 countries.
- May Day was celebrated in 1994 in Chennai (then Madras) by the Labor Kisan Party of Hindustan.
- May Day is also celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat on May 1.
- Canada celebrated Labor Day in 1872, ten years before the US.
First print: May 01, 2024 | 12:20 pm IST