International Labour Day, also referred to as May Day, is celebrated every year on 1st May. This day is celebrated for the remembrance of hardworking and dedicated people around the world. International Labour Day-a.k.a. International Workers' Day or May Day-has grown into a forceful symbol of solidarity, social justice, and the continuous struggle for workers' rights. Let's look at its date, expected theme, and the fascinating variations in its observance worldwide as we count down to International Labour Day 2025.
Labour Day's history dates back to the late 19th-century American labour movement. American workers called for an eight-hour workday on May 1, 1886, when they went on a nationwide strike. The movement came to a turning point in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago when a peaceful rally was marred by violence after someone included a bomb, killing police officers and civilians. This event served as a rallying call for workers' rights and gave rise to declaring May 1 as International Workers' Day across most nations.
The initial official International Workers' Day was celebrated in 1890 in accordance with a resolution by the Second International, which was a federation of socialist and labour parties, to mark the Chicago demonstrations. May Day has since evolved into an international day of action, remembrance, and commemoration for the working class.
When is International Labour Day 2025?
International Labour Day 2025 is on Thursday, May 1st. This date has meant a lot since 1889, when the Second International proclaimed May 1st as a day to celebrate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago and to advance the cause of the eight-hour workday. From then on, it has become an international event, celebrated with rallies, parades, speeches, and cultural activities.
Theme for International Labour Day 2025
Every year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other national organizations announce a theme that shows urgent issues in the global workplace. Although the official theme of 2025 has not yet been declared, previous themes have included:
- Social justice and decent work
- Safety and health of workers
- Digitalization and the future of work
- Gender equality at work
Stay tuned: The theme for 2025 will be declared in a few days and is likely to be something that relates to the pressing issues of today's world facing workers, such as climate action, technological change, or recovery from the pandemic.
How is Labour Day Celebrated Around the World?
Countries Where May 1st is a Public Holiday
In more than 80 nations-including India, France, Germany, Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa-May 1st is a national holiday. Traditions differ, but they share the following common characteristics:
- Rallies and marches: Workers and labor unions march to city centers to express their demands and celebrate successes.
- Cultural events: Music, dance, and theatre performances show the history and spirit of the labor movement.
- Political speeches: Leaders talk about workers' rights, economic policies, and social justice matters.
Countries Where May 1st is Not a Public Holiday
Surprisingly, some major economies do not observe Labour Day on May 1st-or at all. Here are a few notable examples:
| Country | When Labour Day is Observed | 1 May Public Holiday? | Notes |
| United States | First Monday in September | No | May Day has roots in US history but is not a holiday; September date chosen to avoid socialist associations. |
| Canada | First Monday in September | No | Follows US tradition; May Day is not widely recognized. |
| Australia | Varies by state (not 1 May) | No | Labour Day celebrated on different dates in different states. |
| New Zealand | Fourth Monday in October | No | Labour Day marks the struggle for the eight-hour workday. |
| United Kingdom | First Monday in May | No | Called Early May Bank Holiday; not always on May 1st. |
| Ireland | First Monday in May | No | Known as May Day Bank Holiday; date varies. |
| Netherlands | Not officially observed | No | May 1st is a regular working day. |
Why the Difference?
The reasons for these differences are rooted in history and politics. For example:
- United States and Canada: After the Haymarket Affair, authorities moved themselves away from the socialist and anarchist connotations of May Day, opting for a September date.
- Australia and New Zealand: Labour Day c local milestones in the labour movement, celebrated on dates significant to each region.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: The May Bank Holiday is a spring celebration, not specifically related to labour rights.
International Labour Day 2025 will be observed on May 1st, though the official theme is yet to be announced. While most of the world marks this day as a public holiday, countries like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands do not. Yet, the spirit of Labour Day-solidarity, justice, and progress-transcends borders and calendars, reminding us all of the value of work and the power of collective action.
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