1 May: International Workers Day

May 1, 2016

Every year 1st May is being observed as International Workers Day to pay tribute to workers’ sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world.
The day is also known as International Labours Day and May Day. On this day, labour unions throughout the world celebrate and organize seminars, rallies and parades.
2016 Theme: “Celebrating the International Labour Movement”.
Background
The International Labour Day is being celebrated to promote the requirement of eight-hour work day. In earlier times, the working conditions of the labourers were very severe and working hours lasted 10 to 16 hour a day even in the unsafe conditions which resulted in death, injuries of workers.
In 1886, workers in Chicago (US) started demanding that the working period of eight hours a week and have one day off and also raised their voice for the safety of the working group.
After the workers struggle, eight-hours was declared as the legal time for the workers in the national convention at Chicago by the American Federation of Labour in 1886.
In 1889, the second meeting of the General Assembly of the International Worker held in Paris passed a resolution that 1st May should be celebrated as International Workers ‘ Day. In India, this day is celebrated as a national holiday since 1923.