Labour Day or May Day, also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, is the day set aside to commemorate the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement, observed in many countries on May 1st but several countries observe it on other dates.
Other names for May Day and brief history across the globe?
May Day, also called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, day commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement, observed in many countries on May 1. In the United States and in Canada a similar observance, known as Labor Day, occurs on the first Monday of September.In Europe May 1 was historically associated with rural pagan festivals (see May Day), but the original meaning of the day was gradually replaced by the modern association with the labour movement. May Day was first celebrated back in 1890 on May 1st. This was because the international congress of socialist parties in Europe declared May 1st as the ‘Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity’. In 1904, the Sixth International Socialist Congress called for all workers, trade unions and social democratic organisations to ‘demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the eight-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace.’
The date May 1st was chosen because, in the USA, the eight-hour workday first came into effect on that date in 1886. This is thanks to the demands of the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions. There was a general strike and a riot in Chicago in 1886, and eventually, the eight-hour workday was legally recognised.
In the Soviet Union, leaders embraced the new holiday, believing it would encourage workers in Europe and the United States to unite against capitalism. The day became a significant holiday in the Soviet Union and in the Eastern-bloc countries, with high-profile parades, including one in Moscow’s Red Square presided over by top government and Communist Party functionaries, celebrating the worker and showcasing Soviet military might. In Germany Labour Day became an official holiday in 1933 after the rise of the Nazi Party. Ironically, Germany abolished free unions the day after establishing the holiday, virtually destroying the German labour movement. With the breakup of the Soviet Union and the fall of communist governments in eastern Europe in the late 20th century, large-scale May Day celebrations in that region declined in importance. In dozens of countries around the world, however, May Day has been recognized as a public holiday, and it continues to be celebrated with picnics and parties while serving as the occasion for demonstrations and rallies in support of workers.
When is Workers’ Day Nigeria?
Workers’ Day is celebrated on May 1st as a public holiday in Nigeria. It is part of International Workers’ Day, which is celebrated across the world, also known as Labour Day. This is an occasion to commemorate and thank workers and labourers across the world for all the hard work they do. It’s promoted by the international labour movement and is celebrated internationally on May Day (the 1st of May). Workers Day has been a public holiday in Nigeria since 1981.
Traditionally, people gather together on the day to celebrate with friends and family, commemorating the workers and labourers whose vital work keeps countries and businesses across the world running smoothly. Traditionally, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress addresses people and workers on Workers Day.
When was labour day first recognised in Nigeria?
Workers’ Day was first recognised as a public holiday in Nigeria in 1980 by the People Redemption Party of Kano State. It officially became a national holiday on May 1st 1981, and has been celebrated on this date ever since.
Is Workers’ Day a Public Holiday?
Workers’ Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Is Labour day celebrated all over the world?
Labour Day is celebrated in over 80 different countries across the world.
African countries celebrating Labour / Workers’ Day on May 1st
Algeria – 1 May is a public holiday celebrated as Labour Day.
Angola -1 May is recognized as a public holiday in Angola and called Workers’ Day.
Egypt -1 May is known as Labour Day and is considered a paid holiday. The President of Egypt traditionally presides over the official May Day celebrations.
Ethiopia – 1 May is a public holiday and celebrated as Worker’s Day.
Ghana -1 May is a holiday in Ghana. It is a day to celebrate all workers across the country. It is celebrated with a parade by trade unions and labour associations.
Kenya -1 May is a public holiday and celebrated as Labour Day. It is a big day addressed by the leaders of the workers’ umbrella union body – the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU).
Uganda – Labour Day is a public holiday on 1 May.
Zimbabwe -1 May is recognized as public holiday in Zimbabwe and called Workers’ Day.
Tanzania and Tunisia – May 1 is a public holiday and celebrated as Worker’s Day.
Morocco – 1 May is recognized as a public holida. Mozambique Celebrates workers day on May 1Namibia 1 May is recognized as public holiday and celebrated as Workers’ Day.
South Africa Workers’ Day has been celebrated as a national public holiday on 1 May each year since 1995.
Africa country that first started celebrating Workers’ Day.
In Mauritius, 1 May is a public holiday celebrated as Labour Day. It was celebrated for the first time in Mauritius on 1 May 1938, and for the first time as an official public holiday on 1 May 1950. This was thanks largely to the efforts of Guy Rozemont, Dr. Maurice Curé, PanditSahadeo and Emmanuel Anquetil, as a day of special significance for Mauritian workers who for many years had struggled for their social, political and economic rights. And, as we all can see for ourselves, that struggle is a never-ending one. ( Not sure this is needed)
Worker’s Day Observances since 2018
Countries celebrating Workers’ Day this month but not today
Countries celebrating Labour Day, May Day, and Workers’ Day around the world.
