All You Need To Know About May Day

Labour Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated internationally as a holiday for the working class that toils each day to keep things running smooth. Know why the day is of utmost importance.

The day is also commonly known around the globe as May Day and is an official public holiday for many countries like People's Republic of China,North Korea, Cuba, and Russia.

Why Labour Day is important

• A movement mobilised by the labour union at the time of rise in industrialization is where the Labour Day has its origins

• Industrialists exploited the labour class by making them work for up to 15 hours a day

• Finally, the union took the courage to unite and raise their voice on May Day (first day of the month) against the unfair treatment, and demanded paid leaves, proper wages and breaks for the workforce

• This the movement that is particularly known as the eight-hour day movement, as it supported eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest

• The day has long been a crucial point for demonstrations by various socialist,communistand anarchist groups too

• During theCold Warbetween 1947 to 1953, the Labour Day became an intermittent event for large military parades and was attended by top leaders. It became an enduring symbol of that period. Till date, countries that signify the May Day as an official holiday feature elaborate popular and military parades on the day

May Day in India

• The first celebration of the day in India was organised inMadras(now Chennai) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on May 1, 1923

• This was also the time when the Red Flag (the day's symbol used since its foundation) was first used in India

• In addition, it should be noted that May 1, apart from being Labour Day, is also marked as 'Maharashtra Day' and 'Gujarat Day' to mark the date in 1960 -- when the two western states attained statehood after the erstwhile Bombay state was divided on linguistic lines

• This May Day, it is also important to know that child labour in India is prohibited under theChild Labour Act of 1986, which bars employing people below 14 years. The Act was directed towards achieving better labour standards and to ensure no abuse or maltreatment of children by industries and industrialists.