Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 01, 2025, 08:32 IST
International Labour Day provides a platform to raise awareness about current labour issues like safe working conditions, fair wages, and workers’ rights.
International Labour Day is also known as May Day. (Image: News18 Creative)
International Labour Day 2025: May 1 is observed as International Labour Day worldwide. Also known as May Day, it commemorates the contributions of the working class. The day also serves as a platform to educate workers and labourers about their rights. International Labour Day is also marked as a holiday in some countries. Many people might not be aware of the significance of this day and how it came into existence. Here is everything you need to know about the history, significance of International Labour Day.
International Labour Day 2025: Is May 1 A Holiday In India?
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On May 1, 2025, several important services across India will be closed in observance of Labour Day. It includes banks, schools, the stock market and government offices. Banks will remain shut in Hyderabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Guwahati, Imphal, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji, Patna, and Thiruvananthapuram.
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Several schools and government offices observe a holiday on Labour Day. Public transport and postal services are also expected to remain closed depending on the region.
International Labour Day 2025: History
The origins of International Labour Day can be traced back to the 19th-century labour union movement in the United States. During industrialisation, the working class was exploited in the country. Labourers were made to work for up to 15 hours a day.
This led them to raise their voices against exploitation. On May 1, 1886, the Marxist International Socialist Congress passed a resolution calling for a large peaceful strike at the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, demanding paid leave, proper wages and a daily limit of eight working hours.
What began as a peaceful protest turned violent when bombs were thrown at the police, leading to the deaths of seven officers and at least four civilians. The incident became a symbol of the workers’ rights struggle and was instrumental in establishing May 1 as a day of international solidarity.
By the late 19th century, a legal working time of eight hours was announced in Chicago’s national convention by the American Federation of Labour. After this announcement, many countries, including India, adopted the eight-hour working policy.
International Labour Day 2025: Significance
International Labour Day is a day to commemorate and recognise the contributions of workers in infrastructure development and providing basic services to society. It also serves as a reminder of the achievements of the labour movement. Moreover, this day provides a platform to raise awareness about current labour issues like fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights and urge policymakers and politicians to fight for social fairness.
International Labour Day 2025: Facts
- Despite the fact that International Labour Day traces its origin to the celebration of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, this day is actually celebrated on the first Monday in September and not May 1 in Canada and the US.
- In India, the first May Day was celebrated in Chennai in 1923 by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.
- Labour Day is known as Kamgar Din in Hindi, Thozhilali Dinam in Malayalam, Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, and Shromik Dibosh in Bengali.
- Over 80 countries, including India, Cuba and China, mark International Labour Day.
- A Labour Day parade is still held in New York City, which takes place throughout the 20 blocks north of the 1882 Labour March.
- On May 1, Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are also commemorated to celebrate the foundation of these two states in 1960.
- Canada is said to have started the observance of a day honouring the labour movement. In 1872, they held a ‘Nine-Hour Movement’ to show support for striking workers.
- Oregon was the first state to celebrate Labour Day as a legal holiday in 1887.
International Labour Day 2025: Celebrations
India observes International Labour Day on May 1. It is a national holiday celebrated with rallies and speeches emphasising workers’ rights and the contributions of the Indian labour movement.
It is worth noting that celebrations differ per country. Parades, speeches, rallies, and cultural events are all common traditions. Some countries observe the day off as a national holiday.
International Labour Day 2025: Quotes
- “All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King Jr
- “No human masterpiece has been created without great labour.” – Andre Gide
- “Without labour, nothing prospers.” – Sophocles
- “The dignity of labour depends not on what you do, but how you do it.” – Edwin Osgood
- “Our labour preserves us from three great evils — weariness, vice, and want.” – Voltaire
- “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, and your spirit. Then get back to work.” – Ralph Marston
- “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
- “It is labour indeed that puts the difference on everything.” – John Locke
- “Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” – Donovan Bailey
- “Work isn’t to make money; you work to justify life.” – Marc Chagall
International Labour Day Wishes
- Happy Labour Day. Thank you to all the workers who make our lives better.
- Today is the day to honour those souls who are striving hard in life to make it worthwhile. Happy Labour Day to everyone!
- On the occasion of Labour Day, I wish all workers to be recognised and appreciated for their hard work and contributions to the development of society. It is important to honour and celebrate the hard work and dedication of individuals in every field. Wishing you all a very happy Labour Day.
- Wishing all of the society’s honourable labourers a happy May Day. They deserve to be well-treated not just today, but every day of the year!
- To all the hard-working people out there. Happy Labour Day! Keep up the good work.
- Workers are a nation’s invisible backbone, as it is only because of them that the nation can stand strong. Everyone, have a happy May Day!
- I wish you a wonderful May Day. Take some time to unwind so you can return to work with renewed vigour.
- We would like to express our gratitude and respect to all workers. Labour Day greetings!
- A single machine can perform the tasks of fifty ordinary individuals. No computer can do the labour of a single exceptional individual. Happy International Workers’ Day!
- Here’s to the driving force behind progress. Labour Day: a moment to honour and celebrate the hearts and souls poured into work. Today, we celebrate their impact. Take a break and revel in the joy! Happy Labour Day!
- First Published:
May 01, 2025, 08:30 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
