Labour Day, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, is a holiday celebrated on May 1st in many countries around the world. It originated in the 1800s in the United States during a time when workers toiled for long hours in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Fuelled by the desire for a better work-life balance, workers’ unions organized strikes, with the most famous being the nationwide strikes on May 1st, 1886, involving over 300,000 workers across the United States. Three days later, on May 4th, the Haymarket protest in Chicago, Illinois, became a pivotal moment in the labour movement.
These protests and subsequent actions by workers’ unions led to significant changes in labour laws, improving working conditions for generations to come. Let’s look at some of the key rights we enjoy today because of the labour movement:
Fair working hours: Before the protests, workers routinely worked up to 100 hours per week. The labour movement successfully advocated for a 40-hour work week, with weekends for rest and family time.
Fair pay and minimum wage: The protests demanded fair compensation for workers’ time, including overtime pay. This ultimately led to the creation of minimum wage laws, ensuring workers receive a fair share of the profits they help generate.
Eradication of child labour: The labour movement fought against the common practice of child labour, where children as young as five toiled in hazardous conditions. Laws were passed prohibiting child labour and protecting the well-being of young people.
Formation of unions: Unions were formed to give workers a voice and fight for better working conditions. Today, unions continue to be a vital forum for employees to address grievances and advocate for improvements in the workplace.
Rights for working women: Women have always been a significant part of the workforce, and they too participated in protests for better working conditions and equal rights. These efforts led to the establishment of women’s labour organizations, which continue to champion the rights of working women today.
The first Labour Day celebration in India was held in Chennai on May 1st, 1923, during the country’s fight for independence. The celebration called for the rights of workers and echoed the global call for worker solidarity.
The eight-hour workday, weekends off and the concept of a healthy work-life balance all stem from the struggles of workers in the 1800s. Labour Day serves as a reminder of the importance of fair treatment for workers and the ongoing fight for safe and healthy working conditions everywhere.
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Happy Labour Day!⚒️