International Labour Day
May 1 is celebrated as International Labour Day/ Worker’s Day/ May Day.
Origin-
It all started in Chicago, United States in 1886. During the rise of industrialisation, the workers were compelled to work for almost 16 hours in harsh and hazardous conditions. It was a joint agreement of the Federation of Organised Trades and Labour Unions of the U.S. and Canada to observe May 1 as the first day when the working hours would fall from sixteen hours to eight hours per day. The mass of workers protested that day against unfair treatment, improper wages and leaves and went on strike across the country. Since then, May 1 was considered as the Labour Day. However, the eight-hour proposal turned into law in 1916 in U.S. and then people started following this eight hour rule after years of striving hard to get it approved.
First Labour Day in India-
It took place in Chennai on May 1, 1923. It was organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. Since then it is considered as a nationwide public holiday. The celebrations were held at Triplicane Beach and at the beach opposite Madras High Court.
Reason Behind its Celebration–
This day is celebrated to applaud the working class, their achievements, sacrifices and the work done by them during the entire year. People are made aware of the rights of the working class so that they do not get exploited and made to work in harsh conditions which eventually results in injuries or death.
Ways of Celebrating–
International Labour Organisation (ILO) looks after the upliftment of the workers and their living standards all across the world. It takes charge of the rallies and marches that take place to create awareness about the laws and rights of workers all around and make a plea to improve the working conditions of the workers. There are programmes organised by Socialist and labour unions too.
In schools, long assemblies take place to educate the children about various issues related to it, followed by collage making and slogan writing competitions.
Facts about Labours Day-
– The movement led by workers is also known as the Eight-hour day movement.
– This day is also observed to remind people that child labour is prohibited under the Child Labour Act 1986 hence no child should be exploited.
– This day is a public holiday for the working class in 90 countries across the globe.
“The strength of the nation lies in its labour force”. There is practically nothing impossible for them to do and it is impossible for us to do without them. Creating awareness about their rights should be a common practice since they never surrender and are always striving hard to prosper every single day. Pray for them and heal their lives, if you can.
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