International Labour Day 2023: Origin, History, Significance and FAQs
Celebrating International Labor Day 2023 is all about praising the efforts and hard work of laborers around us to make them feel good and be happy, it is about commemorating the workers who fought for their rights to mark this day as an international day for labourers (hard workers).
Here's everything you may need to know about International Labour Day from its origin, history, and significance to frequently asked questions.
Origin:
Labour Day (ILD) began when labourers from various United States industries started to protest in wake of the Haymarket Riot that took place in Chicago on May 4th, 1985. International Labour Day (ILD) was first celebrated on May 1st, 1886, in New York City.
ILD is observed annually on May 1st, but its origin can be traced back to the late 19th century. At that time, labor unions were not recognized in the United States and workers had no legal rights. On May 1st, 1886 in Chicago, Illinois, a group of workers gathered at Haymarket Square to demand better working conditions and the government listen to them marking 1st May as an official Labour Day every year. Before that started, laborers have to work for almost 15 hours per day in every condition and they were fed up with the model soon.
The first official observance of ILD was held in 1889 in Washington D.C., where President Grover Cleveland issued a proclamation calling for the day to be observed each year. Since then, ILD has been observed in more than 80 countries around the world.
1st May was selected to honor the ones who lost their lives fighting for the rights of the physical working class, Today, ILD is celebrated across the globe in various ways. Some countries observe it by holding rallies, marches, parades, and other events. Others hold special celebrations and give out awards to individuals who have contributed to improving the rights of workers and also announce a public holiday.
History:
International Labour Day was first officially celebrated on May 1st, 1889. The date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair. Soon after the United States Labor Day declaration, Paris was the first city to celebrate International Worker's Day on May 1st, 1891.
In 1893 delegates from around the globe met and discussed the ways to improve working conditions for laborers which marked the first International Labor Conference.
In 1919, the ILO (International Labour Organization) was founded. Its goal was to promote social justice and economic progress through collective bargaining and international cooperation. It turns out to be the best way of giving justice to laborers.
In 1945, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 23 of this declaration states that everyone has the right to work and to free choice of employment and then in 1948, the ILO adopted the Universal Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. This document outlined basic rights and freedoms for employees.
Significance:
It is the day to not just sleep and enjoy a free holiday leave from your job, it is the day to remember the struggles of people who worked hard and protested to save the rights of humans as labour.
This is the day of unity that tells the workers to work as a team and when they start acting as a team, they can eventually do wonders.
In the past, physical workers struggled for better wages, better working conditions, better time-table, and other things, now they can raise their voices and get heard for their rights.
Today, we should remember those who sacrificed their time, energy, and resources to make our life easier. We should also appreciate the work they did and honour them for their contribution to our society.
The significance of ILD lies in its historical context. It is not only about celebrating the achievements of labour movement but also about commemorating the struggles that have taken place over the years. These struggles are still relevant today and continue to play a significant role in shaping our lives.
FAQs:
Why is May 1 Labor Day?
It is May Day and also called Workers Day or International Labor Day. It is being celebrated on 1st May as the first official celebration held after the United States government ordered to celebrate on May 1st, 1889. This day is dedicated to commemorating the struggles of labour movement and workers who stood for their rights.
When is Labour Day in My Country?
If you are in one of those 80 countries which celebrate Labor Day and announce a holiday for this historic day too. It is May 1 for every country to commemorate workers and labor movement so your country is definitely allowing you to celebrate Labor Day on the 1st of May.
Why is Labor Day called Labor Day?
Labor Day is called Labor Day because it is the day for Labor (workers) who fought for their rights and also for workers of today who work hard to make our lives easier.
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