International Labour Day 2024

This day is celebrated every year…

On May 1st, every year, people celebrate International Workers' Day, also known as International Labour Day.

The purpose of this day is to honour the contributions of working people in every industry and sector.

It's not just about celebrating their hard work, but also empowering them to be aware of their rights.

In several countries, Labour Day is even a national holiday. This allows organizations to launch special campaigns focused on improving the lives of their employees.

The origins of International Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th-century labour movement in the US. The specific date of May 1st was chosen to commemorate a nationwide strike for an eight-hour workday that commenced in 1886.

This event, however, culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, an incident where a labour protest turned into violence. A bomb explosion resulted in the loss of seven police officers and four civilians.

One pivotal event in the history of Labour Day is the Haymarket Affair, which occurred in Chicago in 1886.

On May 1st of that year, workers gathered in Haymarket Square to peacefully demonstrate for an eight-hour workday. However, the protest turned violent when a bomb was detonated, leading to casualties among both police officers and protesters.

Despite International Labour Day tracing its origin to the commemoration of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, Labour Day in Canada and the USA is celebrated on the first Monday in September and not May 1.