Labour Day is a holiday celebrated in many countries of the world. It emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries with the labour union and eight-hour-day movements as a means to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers.
Also known as May Day, Workers' Day or International Workers' Day, this holiday commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. It is observed in many countries on May 1, but in the United States and Canada a similar observance, known as Labor Day, occurs on the first Monday of September.
In Australia, the official Labour Day public holiday is determined by various states and territory governments. It is celebrated on the first Monday in October in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and South Australia. In both Victoria and Tasmania, it is the second Monday in March (though the latter calls it Eight Hours Day).
In Western Australia, Labour Day is the first Monday in March. In both Queensland and the Northern Territory, it is the first Monday in May. Labour Day is known as Eight Hours Day in Tasmania and May Day in the Northern Territory of Australia, commemorating the granting of the eight-hour working day for Australians. It also recognizes workers’ contributions towards the nation’s economy.
International Labour Day or International Workers Day is recognized on May 1 in United States, United Kingdom, and Canada but not as an official public holiday.
In Germany, May 1 is a public holiday known as "Tag der Arbeit" (Day of Labor).
In France: "Fête du Travail" (Labour Day) is celebrated on May 1 with parades and demonstrations.
In Russia, May 1 is celebrated as a public holiday called "День весны и труда" (Spring and Labour Day).
In China, "国际劳动节" (International Workers' Day) is observed on May 1 with a three-day holiday.
In Mexico, "Día del Trabajo" (Labour Day) is a public holiday on May 1.
In Brazil, May 1 is known as "Dia do Trabalhador" (Worker's Day) and is a national holiday.
In Italy, "Festa dei Lavoratori" (Workers' Day) is celebrated on May 1.
Other countries that observe a May Day holiday include:
Bangladesh - Labour Day
Hong Kong - Labour Day
India - Labour Day
Kazakhstan - Kazakhstan People's Unity Day
Kyrgyzstan - Labour Day
Malaysia - Workers' Day
Pakistan - Labour Day
Philippines - Labour Day
Singapore - Labour Day
South Korea - Labour Day
Sri Lanka - Labour Day
Taiwan - Labour Day
Thailand - National Labour Day
Vietnam - Labour Day
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Labour Day is a national public holiday marked on the fourth Monday in October.
In this Victoria, our dear land,
The first that dared be free,
To show the world what freedom meant
In new lands 'cross the sea
- Ode to the Eight Hours' Pioneers
Hamilton Mackinnon
April 21, 1896
Australia
On 21 April, 1856, stonemasons and workers on construction sites around Melbourne stopped work and marched from the University of Melbourne to Parliament House to achieve an eight hour day. Their direct action protest was a success, and they are noted as the first organized workers in the world to achieve an eight hour day with no loss of pay.
The five-day 40-hour week was achieved almost a century later in 1948. Labour Day marches are held throughout the country in celebration of organised labour's achievements on behalf of the worker.