Every year on May 1, International Labour Day, also known as Workers’ Day, is celebrated to honor the working class across the globe.
International Workers’ Day is celebrated globally, including in Nigeria, to recognize workers’ contributions and sacrifices.
Below are seven interesting facts to know about International Labour Day
1. International Labour Day commemorates the protest that took place on 1st May, 1886, in the United States of America when labour unions went on strike, demanding a maximum of 8-hour workdays for labourers. This eventually led to the establishment of 8-hour workdays in many countries, including India.
2. India celebrated its first Labour Day of 1st May, 1923, in Chennai. This day was then chosen as a day to celebrate and honour the contribution of working men and women towards building the nation. Labour unions and labour groups use Labour Day to fight for workers’ rights.
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3. May Day is celebrated to continue the struggle for improving the working conditions of labourers and higher wages. Before movements like the 8-hour work days, deaths, injuries of labourers and dangerous working conditions were very common.
4. International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a part of the United Nations Organisation which works towards improving the working and living standards of workers all over the world. On 1st of May every year, ILO conducts rallies and marches across the world to create awareness about issues like forced labour, minimum wage law, rights of migrant workers, etc.
5. People wear white clothes on this day. This old custom dates back to the late Victorian era when wearing any white clothing after the summer officially ended on Labour Day. It was considered a fashion faux pas. The tradition is no longer followed in its entirety.
6. Historians say the expression “no white after Labor Day” comes from when the upper class would return from their summer vacations and stow away their lightweight, white summer clothes as they returned back to school and work.
7. There is still a Labor Day parade in New York City, which takes place throughout the 20 blocks north of the 1882 labor march.
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