International Labour Day 2025: International Labour Day, also known as Global Workers Day and May Day, is marked every year globally on May 1 as a celebration of working-class people, recognising their contribution to society and promoting workers’ rights and opportunities. International Labour Day is celebrated on May 1 of every year, and this year, in 2025, it will fall on a Thursday. The origins of global Labour Day date back to the 19th-century labour movement, when workers united to demand fair wages, safer working environments, and shorter work hours. The first Labour Day parade was organised in New York City in 1882 by the Central Labour Union, paving the way for global recognition of workers' rights. TRENDING | Top 10 countries with the longest and shortest work hours 2024: Know where India stands In India, Labour Day, also known as Kamgar Divas, Kamgar Din, or Antrarashtriya Shramik Divas, has a long history intertwined with the global labour movement. The first Labour Day in India was held on May 1, 1923, in Chennai under the leadership of the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. It was led by Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar, a prominent communist leader, who petitioned the government to recognise May 1 as a national holiday. Are workers’ rights really protected? 🤚⛔ Retaliation. Restrictions. Violations still happen — and they block progress toward #SocialJustice. Ahead of #LabourDay, find out where we stand: pic.twitter.com/LSDJ3fiCcm — International Labour Organization (@ilo) April 30, 2025 May 1 has been observed worldwide in more than 80 countries and is often a public holiday. Labour Day is not just a day off; it is a day to recognise the struggles of those who built the world around us. This annual observance is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and the crucial role that workers play in our societies. Workers are the backbone of any society and deserve fair treatment, better opportunities, and a safe environment. It is celebrated with various events and festivities across the globe; from parades and marches to speeches and cultural performances, these celebrations serve to honour the contributions of workers and the labour movement. As we celebrate the day today, there has been a rise in searches for the keyword '1 May Labour Day', also known as May Day or International Workers Day.
