Labour Day 2025: Hidden History and Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About May 1

Every year on May 1, countries across the globe pause to honour the driving force behind every economy - its workers. Known as Labour Day or International Workers’ Day , this date isn’t just a holiday - it’s a tribute to the struggles, victories, and rights of the working class. But how many of us truly know the history behind it?

The Powerful Protest That Started It All
Labour Day’s roots stretch back to the United States in the late 19th century. On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers launched a massive strike demanding an eight-hour workday. What started peacefully soon turned tragic during a protest in Chicago, when an unknown assailant threw a bomb at the police. The violent incident, later named the Haymarket Affair, claimed multiple lives and sparked global outrage. Despite the tragedy, it became a defining moment in the fight for workers’ rights and laid the foundation for May 1 to be recognised worldwide.

Why Labour Day Isn’t Just an American Story

• While the movement began in the U.S., the country - and its neighbour Canada - chose to celebrate Labour Day in September, not May.
• Over 80 nations now observe May Day, making it one of the most widely celebrated worker holidays globally.
• India first celebrated Labour Day in 1923, thanks to the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, which held an event in Chennai.
• May 1 also carries regional significance in India, marking the formation of the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat in 1960.
• Surprisingly, Canada held its first Labour Day celebration way back in 1872 - years before the U.S. formally adopted it.

More Than Just a Day Off
In many countries, Labour Day is a public holiday, often marked by parades, rallies, and campaigns that highlight workers’ contributions and rights. Beyond celebration, the day urges governments, employers, and societies to continue pushing for fair wages, safer workplaces, and better job conditions.

Why It Still Matters in 2025
Even today, the spirit of Labour Day remains as important as ever. As work evolves with technology and new industries, the call for fairness, dignity, and protection for workers continues. Labour Day is a timely reminder: progress doesn’t come just from innovation - it comes from respecting those who build and maintain the world around us.