1st May is annually celebrated as International Workers’ Day, or Labour Day, across various parts of the globe. This day is used to honor the significant contributions of workers as well as recognize the historical labour movements. The main players that make commitments towards this day include the International Labour Organisation (ILO), governments from around the world, employers and workers, all dedicated to promoting decent work standards universally. The Second International, formed by socialist and labour parties, proclaimed in 1889 that henceforth, 1st May would be acknowledged as International Workers’ Day.
The Origin of International Workers’ Day
On May 1st, 1904, the International Socialist Congress convened in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where they insisted on the legal declaration of an 8-hour day for the working class demands of the proletariat. The congress also mandated that proletarian organizations globally cease all work on this day.
Labour Day in the USA and Canada
Interestingly, the United States does not celebrate Labor Day on the same day as most countries. Instead, they observe it on the first Monday of every September and have been doing so since it became a federal holiday there in 1894. Canada also celebrates Labour Day on this same day. Labor Day in these nations represents a day set aside by trade unions and socialist groups to support workers, inspired by memories of the Haymarket affair of 1886 in Chicago, USA. The Haymarket Affair was a peaceful worker’s rally that spiraled into a violent conflict with the police, resulting in severe casualties. These events further catalyzed the worker’s movement.
A Look at USSR’s History with Labour Day
In the Soviet Union and Eastern bloc nations, Labor Day started being celebrated following the Russian Revolution in 1917. The impact of the Russian Revolution led to new ideologies like Marxism and Socialism gaining popularity. These ideologies inspired many socialist and communist groups which engaged peasants and workers, integrating them into national movements. Labor Day became a national holiday during the Cold War era.
Labour Day’s History in India
In India, the first Labor Day celebration took place in 1923. The initiative was taken by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan and Comrade Singaravelar (Singaravelu Chettiar) sustained the tradition. Comrade Singaravelar, a leader of the Self Respect movement in Madras Presidency, passed a resolution indicating that the government should consider May 1st a national holiday, thereby acknowledging Labour Day.