Finance
International Labour Day 2024: Workers and the working class play vital roles in the development of any country. Workers do the majority of the basic work, which contributes to a country’s economy. They are also regarded as the backbone of society, making it vital to address their concerns.
Every year on May 1, International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed to recognize the efforts of the working class and labourers in the economy. India, Cuba, China, Brazil, and Germany are among the 80 countries that observe May Day. You may be aware that in some countries, the day is recognized as a national holiday, but do you know why? Let’s find out.
History:
Well, it all started in 1886, when labourers in America demanded to work eight hours a day, which further took the shape of a demonstration. Soon it expanded to an extent that people in Chicago got hurt. This is also known as The Haymarket Affair. After this, in 1889 several socialist parties in Europe collaboratively decided to celebrate May 1 as the International Labour Day.
However, India observed its first May Day in 1929 in Chennai by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, which was led by Comrade Singaravelar.
In order to recognise the efforts of the working class and labourers in an economy, May 1 is celebrated as the International Labours Day.
Significance:
The day empowers the labourers to know their rights and practise it when required as in history they were often being exploited. In several countries, rallies are marches conducted on May Day by the working class to demand improved working conditions and fair wages.
