5 things you should know about the International Labour Day

The 1st of May is celebrated as the International Labour Day (International Workers Day or May Day) in many countries across the world, including India. It is understood that this day is dedicated to labourers and the working class, but what is the significance of this day? Here are 5 points to explain more about the International Labour Day.

- The International Labour Day commemorates the protest by workers on 1st May, 1886, in the United States of America when labour union in the USA went on strike, demanding 8-hours work days for labourers. This eventually led to the establishment of 8-hour work days in many countries, including India.

- India celebrated its first Labour Day of 1st May, 1923, in Chennai. This day was then chosen as a day to celebrate and honour the contribution of working men and women towards building the nation. Labour unions and labour groups use Labour Day to fight for workers’ rights.

- May Day is celebrated to continue the struggle for improving the working conditions of labourers and higher wages. Before movements like the 8-hour work days, deaths, injuries of labourers and dangerous working conditions were very common.

- Labour Day is known as Kamgar Din or Kamgar Divas in Hindi, and is observed as a public holiday in India, and is a crucial day for labour movements by various labour groups and parties. Schools, offices and stock markets remain closed on this day.

- International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a part of the United Nations Organisation which works towards improving the working and living standards of workers all over the world. On 1st of May every year, ILO conducts rallies and marches across the world to create awareness about issues like forced labour, minimum wage law, rights of migrant workers, etc.

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Sources:

News 18

Heavy dot com

DGreetings dot com

DNA