Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day, is celebrated on May 1st each year in many countries worldwide. Read here to learn the history and significance of Labour Day.
It is a day dedicated to the labour movement and recognizes workers’ social and economic achievements.
The origins and celebration of Labour Day can be traced back to the labour union movement in the late 19th century, particularly the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Historical Background of Labour Day
The origin of Labour Day dates back to the labour union movements in the United States in the 1880s.
- The period was marked by a rapidly industrializing economy, and labourers often worked long hours under severe conditions, which led to widespread unrest.
- Labour unions organized strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and urge employers to renegotiate hours and pay.
One of the most significant of these was the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in 1886.
- On May 1 of that year, more than 300,000 workers across the U.S. walked off their jobs in a coordinated strike to demand an eight-hour workday.
- Just a few days later, on May 4, a rally in Chicago’s Haymarket Square turned violent after a bomb was thrown at the police, resulting in the deaths of police officers and civilians.
- This event led to a harsh crackdown on labour activists but also brought workers’ rights squarely into the public view.
Why May 1?
May 1 was chosen as International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in Chicago.
- In 1889, the Second International, an organization of socialist and labour parties, designated May 1 as a day for demonstrations, parades, and speeches, encapsulating the spirit of the Haymarket protests.
- The date was symbolically chosen to anchor the movement for workers’ rights to a specific historical event that highlighted the struggle for the eight-hour workday.
Global Adoption
Though it originated in the United States, the celebration of Labour Day on May 1st is more commonly associated with International Workers’ Day observed around the world.
- Many countries, including Russia, China, and most European nations, observe May 1 as a national holiday, celebrating it with rallies, parades, and speeches by political and labour leaders.
- After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the celebration was embraced by the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc nations during the Cold War– becoming a national holiday in many of them.
- Parades were a part of the celebration– the one at Moscow’s Red Square was attended by top Communist leaders and displayed Soviet military might.
- In the United States, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September, a tradition established in 1894 by President Grover Cleveland.
- This date was chosen to distance the holiday from the Haymarket Affair to avoid the radical undertones associated with May 1st.
In India, the first Labour Day was celebrated in 1923 in Chennai. This day was observed by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.
- On this day, communist leader Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar asked the government that 1st May should be considered as a national holiday to symbolise the efforts and work of the workers.
- This day is also known as Kamgar Divas, Kamgar Din and Antarrashtriya Shramik Divas in India.
Significance of Labour Day
Labour Day serves as a reminder of the worker rights struggles, where ordinary men and women stood up against their employers to demand fair pay, reasonable hours, and safer working conditions.
The holiday celebrates the progress achieved through these movements, including the establishment of the eight-hour workday, improved labour conditions, and the creation of labour laws that promote equality and fairness.
Constitutional provisions for labour rights in India
Indian constitution provides numerous safeguards for the protection of labour rights. These safeguards are in the form of fundamental rights and the Directive principle of State policy.
- Article 14 commands the State to treat any person equally before the law.
- Article (19) (1) (c) grants citizens the right to form associations or unions.
- Article 21 promises the protection of life and personal liberty.
- Article 23 prohibits forced labour.
- Article 24 prohibits employment of children below the age of fourteen years.
- Article 39(a) provides that the State shall secure to its citizens equal right to an adequate means of livelihood.
- Article 41 provides that within the limits of its economic capacity, the State shall secure the Right to work and education.
- Article 42 instructs the State to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief.
- Article 43 orders the State to secure a living wage, decent conditions of work and social and cultural opportunities for all workers through legislation or economic organisation.
- Article 43A provides for the participation of workers in the Management of Industries through legislation.
Health impact of climate change on labourers
Climate change creates a cocktail of serious health hazards for 70 per cent of the world’s workers
- The health consequences of climate change can include cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions.
- Existing occupational safety and health (OSH) protections are struggling to keep up with the resulting risks, according to a new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The report, Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate, says that climate change is already having a serious impact on the safety and health of workers in all regions of the world.
- The ILO estimates that more than 2.4 billion workers (out of a global workforce of 3.4 billion) are likely to be exposed to excessive heat at some point during their work, according to the most recent figures available (2020).
- When calculated as a share of the global workforce, the proportion has increased from 65.5 per cent to 70.9 per cent since 2000.
- In addition, the report estimates that 18,970 lives and 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years are lost annually due to the 22.87 million occupational injuries, which are attributable to excessive heat.
- This is not to mention the 26.2 million people worldwide living with chronic kidney disease linked to workplace heat stress (2020 figures).
The report notes that numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions. The impact includes:
- 6 billion workers are exposed to UV radiation, with more than 18,960 work-related deaths annually from nonmelanoma skin cancer.
- 6 billion likely to be exposed to workplace air pollution, resulting in up to 860,000 work-related deaths among outdoor workers annually.
- Over 870 million workers in agriculture, are likely to be exposed to pesticides, with more than 300,000 deaths attributed to pesticide poisoning annually.
- 15,000 work-related deaths every year due to exposure to parasitic and vector-borne diseases.
Conclusion
Today, while it is a public holiday and a day off for many, it also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing issues facing workers, including wages, job security, and rights in the workplace.
It is a day to recognize the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of countries, and to continue advocating for equitable labour practices globally.
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-Article by Swathi Satish
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