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Labour Day
May 1st is a widely observed Labour Day holiday that honours the labour movement’s accomplishments. It is celebrated with a public holiday in more than 80 countries and is also known as International Worker’s Day or May Day. The event, known as Labour Day in some countries, honours the contributions of those who work to society while highlighting the value of work and the achievements of the labour movement.
The Labour Day comes under the Current Affair which an important subject in UPSC Syllabus. Students can also go for UPSC Mock Test to get more accuracy in their preparations..
Labour Day History
The first of May, also known as May Day, honors the events that marked the beginning of the workers’ revolution in 1890. The first worldwide congress of socialist parties met in Paris, France, on July 14, 1889, and declared May 1st to be “Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity.” The purpose of the event was to promote the eight-hour workweek and raise awareness of the labour movement, both of which were priorities for American labour activists in 1886.
Unfortunately, protests followed the strike and Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886, which led to these unfavorable events being linked to the date. Due to this, some nations, including the United States, observed a different Labour Day on the first Monday of September. Additionally, Americans opposed the May Day holiday because of its communist associations.
Labour Day Origin
The origins of Labour Day may be traced to the late 1800s, when workers in industrialized countries started to organize in an effort to secure improved working conditions, a fair salary, and other rights. On September 5, 1882, the Central Labour Union of New York City organized the country’s inaugural Labour Day celebration. After the Pullman Strike, the holiday became a federal one in 1894 as a result of numerous labourer deaths.
International Labour Day
Comrade Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, the creator of the first trade union, organized two meetings to mark Labour Day as the first initiative to be taken by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in India. There were two meetings, one at Triplicane Beach and the other across from the Madras High Court. A motion was voted by Singaravelar requesting that the government declare May 1 as a national holiday and designates it as Labour Day. India used a red flag for the first time.
The trade union movement in the United States in the 19th century is where trade Day got its start. On the other hand, Labour Day is observed annually on the first Monday in September in the USA and Canada. In honor of the Haymarket affair of 1886 in Chicago, USA, trade unions and socialist organizations established Labour Day as a day to support workers. After being announced by the inaugural International Congress of Socialist Parties in Europe in July 1889, May Day was first observed on May 1, 1890.
Labour Day 2023 Celebration
International Labour Day, May Day, or Labour Day is recognized as a national holiday in several nations throughout the world to honor workers’ achievements. On this day, numerous events and celebrations are planned. Additionally, workers of different colors embellished a variety of banners and flags. The TV and radio stations broadcast a variety of news and messages with the greeting “Happy Labour Day” to raise people’s social awareness.
Labour Day 2023 Significance
Labour Day is a significant holiday that recognizes and honors the crucial contributions that workers make to society. The day celebrates the worth of labour, the importance of fair employment standards, and the rights of employees. Its beginnings can be traced back to the fight for improved working conditions, higher salaries, and essential worker protections. A reminder of the ongoing fight for social justice, equality, and economic fairness is provided by Labour Day.
It gives employees a chance to show their solidarity, express appreciation for the accomplishments, and consider what needs to be done to make even more progress. Overall, Labour Day serves as a reminder of the labour movement’s successes and the power of collective action in the fight for social and economic justice.
Labour Day UPSC
Every year on May 1, many nations throughout the world observe Labour Day, also known as May Day, to raise awareness of the rights and opportunities that all workers should have for their welfare and improvement.
In Chennai, India, the inaugural Labour Day was observed in 1923. The Hindustani Labour Kisan Party observed this day. Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, a communist leader, requested that the government declare May 1 as a national holiday to honour workers’ sacrifices and labours on this day. In India, this day is also known as Antarrashtriya Shramik Divas, Kamgar Divas, and Kamgar Din. Students can read all the details related to UPSC by visiting the official website of StudyIQ UPSC Online Coaching.
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