Article by: Aaradhana Umesh, Std. 9, Porur.

Every year on May 1st, people around the world celebrate International Labour Day. This special day is all about recognizing and appreciating the hard work that people do to make our world a better place.
The origins of International Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th century, when labor movements in the United States and Europe began to agitate for better working conditions, shorter hours, and higher wages. In the United States, the movement for an eight-hour workday gained momentum after the Civil War, with strikes and protests organized by labor unions and socialist groups. In 1886, a general strike was called for May 1st, with the aim of achieving an eight-hour workday.
On May 1, 1886, hundreds of thousands of workers across the United States went on strike, shutting down factories, mines, and other workplaces. The protests continued for several days, with clashes between police and workers in many cities. On May 4th, a bomb exploded at a labor rally in Chicago’s Haymarket Square, killing several people and injuring many more. The Haymarket Riot, as it came to be known, had a profound impact on the labor movement, and May 1st became a symbol of workers’ struggle for justice and equality.
In the years that followed, May Day became an international holiday, celebrated by workers around the world. In 1891, the Second International, a federation of socialist and labor parties, declared May 1st to be International Workers’ Day. The holiday was adopted by many countries, including Russia, China, and Cuba, and became an important part of the socialist and communist calendar.
Today, International Labour Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some countries, it is a day of protest and political action, with workers marching and rallying for better wages, working conditions, and labor rights. In other countries, it is a day of celebration and relaxation, with picnics, parades, and other festivities.
The significance of International Labour Day is profound, as it represents the ongoing struggle of workers for dignity, respect, and fairness in the workplace. The labor movement has made significant progress over the past century, with many countries enacting laws and regulations to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions. However, there is still much work to be done, particularly in the areas of income inequality, workplace safety, and social justice.
As we celebrate International Labour Day, let us remember the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before us, and continue to fight for a better, more equitable world for all workers.