International Labour Day or May Day is observed to celebrate success of workers for 8 working hours which were earlier 12 to 16 hours that too for the work done by them in unsafe working situations.
It was on May 1, 1886, that the labour class in US got united and took to streets against the unfair treatment and demanded paid leaves, proper wages and breaks for the workforce.
In India, the first Labour Day was organised in Chennai by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in 1923 with red flags. The tradition continues till date with active participation of Left Wing Parties. In many parts of India, the observance is also called 'Kamgar Diwas'.
“As we celebrate Labour Day, we honour the men and women who fought tirelessly for workers' rights, which are so critical to our strong and successful labour force,” says Elizabeth Esty.
On an earlier occasion of International Labour Day, Kurukshetra-based noted economist Professor MM Goel, currently working as VC of Starex University, Gurugram, had urged the government to come out with labour reforms to revive the economy hit badly due to lockdown caused by coronavirus pandemic.
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