New Delhi: US Labour Day is observed every year on the first Monday in September; this year, it falls on September 2. Labour Day is a day of rest and appreciation for American labour. In 2024, it will be observed on September 2. It’s a time to commemorate the achievements and contributions of American workers. In this article, let us look at how countries worldwide celebrate Labour Day.
How countries observe Labour Day?
India
Labour Day was first celebrated in India on May 1, 192, and has been a public holiday since then.
Australia
Labour Day is celebrated on different dates in various states and territories. In some states, it marks the Eight Hours Day march. The dates vary from the first Monday in October to the first Monday in May, depending on the location.
Bangladesh
May Day is observed on May 1, and there’s a proposal to declare April 24 Labour Safety Day in memory of the Rana Plaza building collapse victims.
Bahamas
Labour Day in the Bahamas falls on the first Friday in June, traditionally June 7. It commemorates a significant workers’ strike in 1942.
Canada
Labour Day is a statutory public holiday on the first Monday in September. It originated in local demonstrations and celebrations and has been recognised since 1894.
China
May Day is a statutory holiday in China on May 1. Although it used to be a three-day holiday, it has been shortened to one day after 2008.
Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, Labour Day on May 1 has been a public holiday since 1999.
Jamaica
May 2 was called Empire Day in Jamaica, celebrating the British Empire. In 19611, it was replaced by Labour Day on May 23, commemorating a labour rebellion in 1938.
Kazakhstan
Labour Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in September with official speeches, award ceremonies, and cultural events. Most Kazakhstanians do not work on this holiday, which always falls on weekends.
Kenya
Labour Day in Kenya is in May, and the country’s leaders mark the day with songs, dances, and speechless.
Malaysia
On May 1, Malaysians commemorate the economic and social accomplishments of the labour movement.
New Zealand
Labour Day is a public holiday in New Zealand, celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. It has its roots in the movement for an eight-hour working day that began in the newly established Wellington colony in 1840.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, May 1 is Labour Day and a public holiday nationwide.
Poland
Poland celebrates Labour Day on May 1, often combined with Constitution Day on May 3 to generate the “May long weekend.”
Philippines
Labour Day in the Philippines is a public holiday commemorated nationwide on May 1.
Switzerland
May 1 is not a holiday across the country, but several cantons have made it one of their eight cantonal holidays.
Taiwan
May 1 is an official holiday in Taiwan, known as Labour Day, though not everyone gets a day off.
Tajikistan
On Labour Day in Tajikistan, people still work, but there are also folk festivals, performances, and fairs that create a celebratory atmosphere.
Trinidad and Tobago
Labour Day is celebrated on June 19 in Trinidad and Tobago to commemorate the 1937 Butler labour riots.
Turkey
May 1 is an official holiday in Turkey. However, the state prohibits some demonstrations by left-wing protesters, particularly in Taksim.
Labour Day is observed in many countries on May 1 or Monday close to that date. Some countries have a holiday around this time, but it’s not specifically for Labour Day. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
