What is the importance of May 1st?

The International Day of Workers is observed on May 1 every year. On this day, labour unions usually lead marches to assert themselves and save workers from exploitation. Labour Day is closely tied to US history. On May 1, 1886, some 2 lakh US workers engineered a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday.

Why is Labour Day celebrated, its history?

The American Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, in 1884, demanded an eight-hour workday, to come into effect as of May 01, 1886. This led to the general strike and the Haymarket (in Chicago) Riot of 1886. Three years later, the International Labour Day was created to honour the labour movements.

Why is it called May Day?

May Day got its start as an international distress call in 1923. It was made official in 1948. It was the idea of Frederick Mockford, who was a senior radio officer at Croydon Airport in London. He came up with the idea for "mayday" because it sounded like the French word m'aider, which means "help me."

Labour Day 2023: Why May 1 Is Observed As International Workers’ Day, Its History And Significance

The 19th century in the United States of America is where Labour Day first appeared. To honor the 1886 nationwide strike for an eight-hour day, which started on May 1 and culminated in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, the US, May 1 was specifically chosen as Labour Day. The Haymarket affair is the name given to the tragic event in which a labor protest gathering descended into violence after a bomb was thrown at the police, killing seven police officers and at least four bystanders.

Labour Day: Why May 1 Is Observed As Workers’ Day

In different countries, there are different origin stories of May Day. However, the common theme includes the Labour class standing against the exploitation they were subjected to in all countries.

History Of Labour Day

During the industrialization era in the 19th century, the US industrialists exploited the working class by making them work for up to 15 hours a day. The workers protested against this and raise their voices against this exploitation. They demanded paid leaves and fewer working hours.

The workers held a strike on May 1 in 1886 and demanded an eight-hour workday. An unidentified person threw a bomb during the strike in which many people got injured and several people lost their lives. It is also remembered as the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. Hence, Labour Day has been a focal point of protests by several groups. The day is dedicated to the working class of the society and their struggles.

Labour Day 2021: Speech And Essay On May Day For Students Labour Day 2021: Speech And Essay On May Day For Students

Significance Of Labour Day

In different countries, there are different origin stories regarding May Day or Labour Day. In India, the first Labour Day celebrations occurred on May 1, 1923, in Chennai. It was first initiated by the 'Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan'. On this day, the red flag was used for the first time which symbolizes Labour Day. The day is observed to mark respect for India's workforce.

May Day is also known as 'Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas' or 'Kamgar Divas' in India.

Top 13 Labour Day Quotes For Job Aspirants Top 13 Labour Day Quotes For Job Aspirants

What is the importance of May 1st?

The International Day of Workers is observed on May 1 every year. On this day, labour unions usually lead marches to assert themselves and save workers from exploitation. Labour Day is closely tied to US history. On May 1, 1886, some 2 lakh US workers engineered a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday.
Why is Labour Day celebrated, its history?

The American Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, in 1884, demanded an eight-hour workday, to come into effect as of May 01, 1886. This led to the general strike and the Haymarket (in Chicago) Riot of 1886. Three years later, the International Labour Day was created to honour the labour movements.
Why is it called May Day?

May Day got its start as an international distress call in 1923. It was made official in 1948. It was the idea of Frederick Mockford, who was a senior radio officer at Croydon Airport in London. He came up with the idea for "mayday" because it sounded like the French word m'aider, which means "help me."