Labour Day also known as May Day or International Workers Day is marked every year on May 1.

It aims to encourage the working class to be conscious of their rights. Labour Day also recognises and honours the contribution of workers across the world.

History

The idea to celebrate Labour Day stems from the labour union movement in the United States in the 19th century. On May 1, 1886, around two lakh workers called for a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday. Later, the protest took a violent turn in Chicago where it led to the Haymarket Affair.