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International days are marked to educate the public on issues of concern, to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. Each international day provides the community an opportunity to organize activities related to the theme and to create public awareness on the same. Organizations, governments, public and private sectors, schools, universities and citizens make the international day a springboard for awareness-raising actions. In this article let us check on the observation of International Labour Day 2025 and its theme, history, celebrations and Quiz.
International Labour Day 2025: May 1
In this article, readers can get a glimpse on
- History of International labour day
- Facts about labour day In India.
- The theme of International labour day 2025
- International labour day activities
- International labour day Quiz
History of International Labour Day
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
The roots of International Labour Day trace back to the labor movement in the late 19th century, a time when industrialization had led to long working hours, unsafe conditions, and little regard for workers’ welfare. On May 1st, 1886, labor unions in the United States launched a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday. The movement gained significant momentum, particularly in Chicago, where thousands of workers joined in peaceful demonstrations. However, events took a tragic turn on May 4, 1886, during a rally at Haymarket Square. A bomb was thrown at the police, leading to violent clashes that left several people dead and many injured. This incident, known as the Haymarket Affair, became a pivotal moment in the history of the labor movement.
The brutality of the incident shocked the world and brought global attention to the plight of workers. In response to the Haymarket tragedy and in solidarity with laborers worldwide, socialist and communist groups began to push for a day to honor workers’ rights. In 1889, the First Congress of the Second International was held in Paris, where French socialist Raymond Lavigne proposed that May 1 be observed annually with international demonstrations. The proposal aimed to unite workers in their fight for better conditions and to commemorate the sacrifices made in the struggle for labor rights.
By 1891, at the Second Congress of the Second International, May 1 was officially adopted as International Labour Day. The day quickly gained recognition across countries in Europe and beyond. Over the decades, it evolved into a globally observed event, symbolizing solidarity among workers and advocating for social and economic reforms. Today, International Labour Day is celebrated in more than 80 countries as a public holiday, continuing to highlight the importance of fair treatment, decent wages, and respect for all workers across industries and nations.
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Start Learning!Facts about Labour Day in India
- India celebrated first Labour Day in the year 1923 in the province of Madras (Chennai).
- Labour Day or May Day is also known as ‘Kamgar Din’ or ‘Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas’ in Hindi, ‘Kamgar Divas’ in Marathi and ‘Uzhaipalar Naal’ in Tamil.
- The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan was the first group that organized the May Day celebrations in India.
- Various schemes are set to support the labourer’s rights in India
- The Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act were set in 1986 to prohibit the employment of children below 14 years.
- Labour Day is a holiday for working sectors in India
International Labour Day Theme 2025
As of now, the official global theme for International Labour Day 2025 has not been announced. Each year, various countries and labor organizations may declare their own themes to address national or regional labor issues. While there may be discussions and proposed themes in different parts of the world, no unified theme has been confirmed by international bodies. The global labor community continues to focus on issues such as workers’ rights, fair wages, workplace safety, and the impact of technology and climate change. Once the official theme is announced, it will guide events and discussions related to labor rights and social justice.
International Labour Day Previous Themes
International Labour Day, observed globally on May 1, honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It serves as a reminder of the struggles for fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights. Although there is no single global authority assigning annual themes, many countries and labor organizations announce specific themes each year to reflect current worker issues. These themes often focus on dignity, equality, labor reforms, and economic justice. Here are some of the themes from recent years:
- 2010: Our Children. Show Them We Care
- 2011: Winds of change for social justice and democracy
- 2012: Promoting safety and health in a green economy
- 2013: Employment promotion by helping Entrepreneurs Perspectives
- 2014: Providing of the Job with helping of the Capital by giving value the work
- 2015: Construct the Future of Cameroon in Peace, Solidarity and Decent Work
- 2016: Celebrating the international labour movement
- 2017: Celebrating the international labour movement
- 2018: Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement
- 2019: Sustainable Pension for All: The Role of Social Partners
- 2020: Maintaining Safety and Security at the Workplace
- 2021: Resilient Recovery. For a World That Works for All
- 2022: Universal Social Protection to End Child Labour
- 2023: A safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work
- 2024: Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate
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Start Learning!International Labour Day Activities 2025
- Organizations can conduct a gathering to thank the selfless service provided by the staffs in the organization.
- Appreciate the diversity at work and conduct activities that will involve everyone at workplace irrespective of their role and designations.
- Encourage the young Entrepreneurs and provide them with support
- An appreciation message can be sent to the employees of the organization.
- Organizations should check for the working hours of the employees and make sure that it is not exceeding the maximum hours.
- Speeches can be delivered at the workplace and at school to make the community aware of labour rights.
- Child labour has to be stopped completely. Hence conduct a survey in your neighbourhood and also report the cases where you witness child labour.
- Poem writing competition can be conducted at schools to help the young minds think creatively and be aware of the contributions of labourers to society.
- Teach Children at school the value of every occupation around the world and let them respect everyone irrespective of their occupation.
International Labour Day Quiz 2025
A) French Revolution
B) Haymarket Affair
C) Boston Tea Party
3. What was the primary demand of workers during the labor movement that led to Labour Day?
A) Paid holidays
B) Minimum wage
C) Eight-hour workday
A) Australia
B) United States
C) Canada
5. Which international organization focuses on promoting workers’ rights and decent employment worldwide?
A) UNESCO
B) WTO
C) ILO
A) 1919
B) 1945
C) 1961
A) New York
B) Paris
C) Geneva
A) Innovation
B) Equality
C) Profitability
A) Agriculture
B) Manufacturing
C) Services
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International Labour Day Quiz 2025 PDF
International Labour Day is far more than a symbolic holiday—it is a powerful reminder of the enduring fight for workers’ rights, dignity, and justice across the globe. Rooted in the labor movements of the past, this day honors those who sacrificed for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe workplaces. It also brings attention to the current realities faced by millions of workers, including precarious employment, lack of social protections, discrimination, and exploitation in both formal and informal sectors. As the global economy evolves through technological innovation, climate change, and shifting labor dynamics, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of worker well-being.
This day challenges governments, employers, labor unions, and civil society to work collaboratively toward sustainable solutions that promote inclusive and equitable work environments. It also urges individuals to respect the dignity of every form of labor, from domestic work and agriculture to high-skilled professions and industrial labor. International Labour Day is not just about commemoration—it is a continuing call to action. We must invest in decent work, strengthen social safety nets, and empower workers with education, rights, and representation. By doing so, we create not only a stronger workforce but also a fairer, more just world where every worker is valued, protected, and heard.
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of International Labour Day?
International Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors workers’ rights and their contributions to the economy. It originated from the labor movements in the late 19th century, particularly following the Haymarket Affair in 1886. The day highlights ongoing struggles for fair wages, improved working conditions, and social justice. It serves as a global reminder of the importance of respecting labor rights and promoting worker welfare.
Why is May 1 chosen as International Labour Day?
May 1 was chosen due to its connection to the 1886 strike in Chicago, where workers demanded an eight-hour workday. The Haymarket Affair, which followed the strike, resulted in violent clashes and brought international attention to the labor movement. The Second International in 1889 declared May 1 as a day of global solidarity for workers. This day became a symbol of the fight for fair labor practices and social reforms.
How did the Haymarket Affair contribute to the formation of International Labour Day?
The Haymarket Affair in 1886 saw a peaceful rally in Chicago turn violent after a bomb was thrown, leading to deaths and injuries. This incident highlighted the need for better labor conditions and workers’ rights. It also drew global attention to the harsh realities faced by workers during the industrial revolution. In its aftermath, socialist and labor groups rallied to make May 1 an international day of remembrance and action for workers.
Which organizations are involved in promoting International Labour Day?
The International Labour Organization (ILO), founded in 1919, plays a key role in promoting the principles of International Labour Day. The ILO works with governments, employers, and workers’ organizations to create fair labor standards worldwide. In addition, various labor unions and socialist organizations around the world observe this day with demonstrations and activities. The United Nations and other international bodies also recognize the importance of labor rights and fair employment practices.
How do different countries observe International Labour Day?
Observances of International Labour Day vary by country but often include parades, protests, and public speeches. In some countries, it is a public holiday with workers taking the day off to celebrate and advocate for labor rights. In other countries, labor unions and activist groups organize marches and demonstrations to raise awareness about workers’ issues. While the day’s tone can be celebratory, it also serves as a platform for highlighting ongoing challenges in the workforce.
How did the Industrial Revolution influence the need for International Labour Day?
The Industrial Revolution brought rapid technological advancement but also led to poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages for workers. Factories often had unsafe environments, and laborers were exploited, working 12-hour days or more. The rise of factory-based economies prompted workers to organize for better conditions and rights. International Labour Day emerged as a direct response to these injustices, calling for reforms like the eight-hour workday and improved safety.
Is International Labour Day observed in all countries?
While International Labour Day is widely observed, it is not a public holiday in every country. Many countries in Europe, Latin America, and Asia recognize May 1st as a day for labor rights. However, some countries, particularly in North America, celebrate Labor Day on a different date, such as the first Monday in September. Despite this, the underlying principles of workers’ rights continue to resonate globally.
What are the major goals of International Labour Day?
The major goals of International Labour Day include advocating for fair wages, decent working conditions, and the protection of workers’ rights. It also aims to reduce exploitation and address issues such as child labor, unsafe workplaces, and discrimination. The day emphasizes the importance of labor unions in representing workers and ensuring their voices are heard. Additionally, it calls for better job security, social protections, and access to education and healthcare for workers.
How did labor unions contribute to the establishment of International Labour Day?
Labor unions have been central to the establishment and observance of International Labour Day. Unions were instrumental in organizing strikes, protests, and campaigns that demanded better labor conditions. Their efforts helped draw attention to the plight of workers, leading to important reforms like the eight-hour workday. Today, unions continue to advocate for labor rights and play a key role in the ongoing observance of International Labour Day.
What is the role of governments in celebrating International Labour Day?
Governments play a crucial role in International Labour Day by recognizing the day through public declarations and, in some cases, making it an official holiday. Many governments use the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to improving labor standards and workers’ rights. Governments also collaborate with international organizations like the ILO to implement policies that protect workers. The day provides a platform for policymakers to reflect on labor laws and push for necessary reforms.
