World Labour Day 2023 – May Day Holiday (Monday, 1st May 2023)
May Day (Labour Day) is a celebration that honours workers’ contributions and sacrifices to society. Labour Day, also known as International Workers Day, is observed every year on 1 May to uphold the constitutional rights of the labour working class. This year May Day 2023 will be celebrated on 1 May, Monday, to recognise the labourers and the working class for their contribution to the society and economy.
This blog will take you through the history and importance of Labour Day 2023. Read to know more!
| Labour Day 2023 Date | 1st May 2023 |
| Day | Monday |
| Significance | Labour Day is celebrated to honour the struggles and sacrifices of the labour movement. |
| Celebrations | Holiday |
| Also Called as | International Workers Day |
When is May Day/Labour Day in 2023?
Labour Day 2023 in India will be celebrated on 1st may, a day to recognise the efforts and hardwork of all the working class people and labourers who have worked to improve the economy and cater to the needs of the people and the system in general.
Significance of Labour day (May Day)
World labour day is a celebration of the struggles and achievements of the working class observed on 1 May every year. This historic day is a holiday in countries like Uruguay, Sweden, France, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and many more. However, citizens of the USA and Canada celebrate this day annually on the first Monday of September. In India, this day was first celebrated in 1923. The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan organised its first formal celebration in India in May 1923 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Why is May Day Celebrated?
The importance of May Day (Labour Day) stems from the time when workers in the USA started protesting against violating workers’ rights, oppressive labour laws, miserable working conditions, and long working hours. This day is celebrated to acknowledge the workers’ empowerment and subsequent struggles in the following years. Many other protestors joined during this protest, and after numerous hardships and trials, the US began to recognise eight-hour working days. So, we celebrate this day to show respect for the working class struggles. Additionally, this day raises public awareness about workers’ liberal rights and identifies their accomplishments.
How is May Day Celebrated?
This special day commemorates the disreputable Haymarket Riot in the US in 1886. However, in India, May Day came into existence only in 1923. On this day, various labour organisations worldwide perform possessions and organise various competitions for children. Today, the celebration has taken a new turn, where trade unions and workers are demanding to give economic reforms a human face and safeguard their interests. In England, May Day celebration consists of dancing around a Maypole or Moriss dancing.
In India, International Labour Day is a public holiday, so government and public offices, colleges, and schools remain closed. Speeches from workers, union leaders, and cultural events are standard practices while celebrating this historic day.
Background and History of Labour Day (May Day)
Exclusively dedicated to workers, this day has its root in the US labour movement. 1 May 1886 marked the historical movement where numerous labour unions in the USA went on strike to protest against miserable working conditions. They demanded an eight-hour working system. Even if working hours are increased, the management must pay additional compensation in addition to regular wages. To bring this revolutionary change in working laws, on 4 May, a bomb was thrown by revolutionists, leading to the deaths and injury of hundreds of people.
Although there was no immediate change due to this protest, the eight-hour working day soon became the ultimate norm in many countries worldwide. Also, as per the law, workers should only be asked to work 8 hours daily. In this regard, this day was chosen for speeches, demonstrations, and parades. It is a significant public holiday in the United States, Russia, India, and other countries.
Final Word
May Day in 2023 calls for plenty of cultural events, shows and competitions for the kids and the adults. Even though people worldwide celebrate this historic day in different ways, this day still serves as a unifying occasion. Labour day 2023,is a celebration to honour the people for their contributions at the workplace. Traditionally May day 1 was famous as a rural pagan festival day that was celebrated in Europe to mark the arrival of spring. It later became popular for labour rights movements over the years.
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FAQs
This day honours workers and the labour movement for their victories and struggles. On this day, in 1886, in the USA, a police unit openly fired, killing at least 2 striking workers who were demanding an 8-hour workday rather than a gruelling 16-hour workday. Accordingly, more workers joined the protest after such brutal murder of peaceful protesters. Then in 1916, the USA recognised their demand for 8 hours workday.
International Labour day is on 1 May 2023. In some countries, this day is often called May Day, and people celebrate it to show respect and support towards workers and labourers. Citizens in countries like the United States and Canada, similarly observe this day, but it takes place on the first Monday of September.
Yes, In India, people celebrate this day under different titles. This includes ‘Kamgar din’ in Marathi, ‘Uzhaopalar Naal’ in Tamil Nadu, ‘Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas’ in Hindi and many more. People from different states in India come together to celebrate this historic day.
For the first time in India, May Day was celebrated in 1923 in Chennai. Comrade Singaravelar, the leader of the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, first took this initiative. He arranged meetings to celebrate this occasion with honour. Since then, many labour organisations have organised parades across the country to commemorate this event.
Also, many associations organise a contest to spread awareness among students about the importance of equality in the working community.
1 May 2023 is a public holiday in India where public workplaces and government offices remain closed. Also, schools and colleges remain closed to show respect towards working classes.
