But do you know the significance of this day and how it came into existence? If not, here is everything you need to know about the International Labour Day. Check out its history, significance, theme and how people celebrate it.
International Labour Day 2026: Theme
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has selected ‘Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment’ as the current year’s theme. It aims to address the modern workplace problems.
History
The origins of International Labour Day traces back to the 19th-century labour union movement in the US. During industrialisation, the working class was exploited in the country and were made to work for up to 15 hours a day. This led them to raise their voices against exploitation.
On May 1, 1886, the Marxist International Socialist Congress passed a resolution calling for a large peaceful strike at the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, demanding proper wages, paid leave, and a daily limit of eight working hours. But what began as a peaceful protest soon turned violent when bombs were thrown at the police, leading to the deaths of seven officers and at least four civilians.
The incident symbolised the workers’ rights struggle and was instrumental in establishing May 1 as a day of international solidarity. By the late 19th century, Chicago’s national convention by the American Federation of Labour announced a legal working time of eight hours. After this, over 160 countries adopted the eight-hour working policy.
Significance
This day serves as a reminder of the achievements of the labour movement. It also commemorates and recognises workers’ contributions to infrastructure development and providing basic services to society. International Labour Day also gives workers a platform to raise awareness about current labour issues like fair wages, safe working conditions, and their rights and urge policymakers and politicians to fight for social fairness.
International Labour Day 2026: Celebrations
India observes a national holiday on International Labour Day on May 1. Parades, speeches, rallies, and cultural events are held to emphasise workers’ rights and the contributions of the Indian labour movement. It is worth noting that celebrations differ per country.
