International Labour Day 2024: History, Significance and Theme
Last Updated :
27 Feb, 2024
International Labour Day is celebrated every year on 1 May. This Day is popularly known as May Day or International Workers’ Day. This day is celebrated to appreciate the efforts and hard work of labourers and workers around the world. Let’s know more about International Labour Day 2024 in detail below.
International Labour’s Day 2024
International Labour Day 2024 is celebrated every year on 1 May. This day commemorates the workers’ struggles and the labourers’ movement. The first International Labour Day was celebrated in 1890. On this day, so many NGOs, and government organisations conduct awareness program cum events to celebrate this day.
History of International Labour’s Day
Below is the timeline for International Labour Day History.
1st May, 1886
In the United States of America, labour unions went on strike and demanded that workers should not be forced to work more than eight hours a day.
4th May, 1886
The strike witnessed bomb blasts in Chicago’s Haymarket. This left many people and police officers dead and injured. However, the strike did not have any immediate effect on labourers’ work but it helped in establishing the eight-hour workday rule in several countries of the world.
The real statement about the event: “Reliable witnesses testified that all the pistol flashes came from the centre of the street, where the police were standing, and none from the crowd. Moreover, initial newspaper reports made no mention of firing by civilians. A telegraph pole at the scene was filled with bullet holes, all coming from the direction of the police.”
1889
- In Paris, a meeting took place where it was decided to celebrate May Day on an annual basis.
- This was made possible by a proposal given by Raymond Lavigne which said that international demonstrations need to celebrate the anniversary of the Chicago protests.
- In 1891, the International’s 2nd Congress officially recognized celebrating May Day as an annual event.
1st May, 1923 in India
In Chennai, the 1st May Day celebrations were organized by The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan whose leader, Comrade Singaravelar arranged two meetings to celebrate this occasion.
All across India, Labour Day is celebrated and known by many different names such as: Kamgar Din in Hindi, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Thozhilaali Dinam in Malayalam, and Shromik Dibosh in Bangla.
International Labour’s Day Significance
International Workers’ Day serves as a day to recognize the contribution of workers toward building infrastructure and providing essential services to society.
- It reminds us to acknowledge their struggle and movement to attain basic rights and improvement of their working conditions.
- Social inequality is a harsh reality that persists even today especially among workers in different industries and countries.
- May Day enables workers to raise their voices & tell the policymakers and politicians to work for implementing social justice.
- In various countries, International Labour Day or May Day or Workers’ Day is an official holiday. It celebrates the accomplishment of workers.
- Lots of programmes and celebrations are held. It raises social awareness amongst people about workers, their struggles & their fight against injustice.
International Labour’s Day Theme
Every year,International Labour Organization (ILO) launch new theme on the occasion of International Labour’s Day to focus on an aspect of the lives of workers’ & their rights and struggle. This,year, the theme of International Labour’s Day will be Social Justice and Decent Work for All.
Below is an overview of International Labour’s Day.
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Year
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Theme
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2024
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Social Justice and Decent Work for All
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2023
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A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.
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2022
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Universal Social Protection to End Child Labor
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2021
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Resilient Recovery. For a World That Works for All. International Labour Day
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2020
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Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement.
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2019
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Sustainable Pension for all: The Role of Social Partners
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2018
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Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement
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Quotes on International Labour’s Day
Below are the International Labour’s Day Quotes that you can share to appreciate the efforts of labourers.
Labour is the fabled magician’s wand, the philosophers stone, and the cap of good fortune. – James Weldon Johnson
Nothing will work unless you do. —Maya Angelou
The supreme accomplishment is to blur the lines between work and play. —Arnold J. Toynbee
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. – Steve Jobs
Wishing all workers across the world a Happy Labour Day!
May all workers have the right to participate in the decision-making processes and their rights to remain protected. Happy Labour Day.
Wishing for an end to unfair treatment of workers across the world. Happy Labour Day.
May all labours enjoy safe and healthy working conditions. Happy Labour Day.
Conclusion
All across the globe on 1st May, the International Labour Day is celebrated. It is also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day. Labour Day owes it origin to the labour movement of the late 19th century when workers fought for better working conditions, asking for eight hours of labour and fair wages.
It is celebrated to promote the rights of working class and prevent them from being exploited. May Day gives a platform to workers to raise their voices who tell the policymakers and politicians to work in the direction of social justice.
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International Labour’s Day – FAQs
When is Labour Day celebrated?
Every year, Labour Day is celebrated on 1st May. May Day commemorates the workers’ struggles and the labours’ movement.
What is Labour Day also known as?
Labour Day is also known as International Workers’ Day & May Day. May Day commemorates the workers’ struggles and the labours’ movement.
What is the theme for Labour Day in 2024?
The theme for Labour Day in 2024 is ‘Social Justice and Decent Work for All.’
Who decides the theme for International Labour’s Day?
Every year, it is the International Labour Organization (ILO) that comes up with various themes on the occasion of International Labour’s Day.
What are the other names of Labour Day in India?
All across India, Labour Day is celebrated and known by many different names such as: Kamgar Din in Hindi, Karmikara Dinacharane in Kannada, Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, Kamgar Divas in Marathi, Uzhaipalar Dhinam in Tamil, Thozhilaali Dinam in Malayalam, and Shromik Dibosh in Bengali.
Why is International Labour Day celebrated?
International Labour Day or May Day , on 1st May is celebrated every year to promote the rights of working class and prevent them from being exploited.
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