May 1 – The History of the International Workers’ Day
Every year on May 1, people commemorate International Workers’ Day. May Day is also known as Labour Day or Workers’ Day. Labour Day was first observed in India in 1923 by the Labour Kisan Party, which organised the May Day celebrations in Chennai. Every year, Workers celebrate this day to honour the labour movement’s hard work and accomplishments. It is a single day dedicated just to the working class. People celebrate on various days across the world. However, it is on May 1 in the majority of nations. Labour denotes hard effort, especially physical work. Let’s know the origin, history and significance of International Workers’ Day.
Workers’ Movement
The origins of Labour Day may be traced back to the 19th century when businessmen in the United States of America exploited the working people. The working class did all of the hard work but paid less. The origins of Labour Day may be traced back to the 19th century when businessmen in the United States of America exploited the working people. The working class did all of the hard work but was paid less. Labourers were made to labour 10 to 15 hours a day in any circumstances.
The most victimized workers were those in chemical industries, mines, and other comparable settings. When the workers couldn’t take it any longer, they banded together and fought back against injustice. As a result, they organized a trade union and went on strike. They also conducted demonstrations and rallies. Many protestors were arrested and sentenced to life in jail or death. The incident gave a significant boost to the workers’ movement. The government had to listen to their demands and cut the working day to 8 hours. As a result, this particular day is to commemorate and recognize the contributions of the working class.
The day for Labourers
On May 1, International Workers’ Day commemorates the 1886 Haymarket riots in Chicago. The Haymarket crisis resulted from a bombing on May 4, 1886, at a labour protest in Chicago’s Haymarket Square. Chennai was the first city in India to celebrate Workers’ Day. Labour Day was first observed in India on May 1, 1923. The head of Hindustan’s Labour Kisan Party initiated the workers’ day celebration.
Malayapuram Singaravelu, or Comrade Singaravelar, the party’s head, organised two celebrations. The first gathering was held on Triplicane Beach. And the second was held on the beach adjacent to Madras High Court. During the meeting, Singaravelar passed a movement for the government to declare a national holiday on Labour Day in India. This was the first time in India that a red flag was hoisted.
Importance of Workers’ Day
Labour Day brings workers together and reminds them of their power when they work cooperatively. Labourers on this project can feel valued for the effort they have done over the year. This day highlights the workers and their needs and rights. The day is crucial because it allows employees to take a much-needed break from work and collect their thoughts, spend time with their loved ones, or just recuperate their energy. This day inspires individuals to get back to work and work hard.
On Labour Day, all public and government offices, schools, and universities in India are closed. It is a national holiday in the majority of European countries. May Day is celebrated on various days of the year in Canada, the United States of America (USA), and Australia.
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