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New Delhi, 1 New. International Labor Day is a day to remember and honor the social and economic contributions of hardworking workers around the world. Celebrated every year on 1 May, this day symbolizes the hard work, struggle and protection of the rights of the workers. This day is celebrated as a public holiday in many countries. Its roots lie in the labor movements that began in America in the late 19th century. At that time, workers in industrial factories were made to work for 12 to 16 hours.

Fed up with this, the workers started big movements demanding eight hours of working time. On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers went on strike in Chicago, America, demanding eight hours of work. A few days later, on 4 May, violence broke out during a meeting in Haymarket Square. A bomb exploded and several workers and policemen were killed in police firing. This incident is known as the Haymarket Affair. This scandal gave a new direction to the fight for labor rights all over the world.

The International Congress of Socialist Parties (Second International) held in Paris in 1889 decided to celebrate May 1 as International Labor Day. Its objective was to provide the right to work for eight hours. From 1890, this day started being celebrated with great pomp in many countries of the world. For the first time in India, Labor Day was celebrated on 1 May 1923 in Chennai (then Madras). Communist leader Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar organized this program on behalf of Hindustan Mazdoor Kisan Party.

On this occasion the red flag was hoisted for the first time in India. Singaravelu Chettiar had demanded the government to declare this day as a national holiday. In India, this day is known as International Labor Day, Workers’ Day or Labor Day. In most countries of the world including China and Cuba, workers’ rights, solidarity and achievements are celebrated on May 1. Even today, this day reminds us of the problems of workers, the struggle against exploitation and better working conditions.