Labour Day

Labour Day is a special day dedicated to the labour class to recognise their hard work and efforts. It is celebrated across the globe in various countries. In most the countries it is celebrated on the 1st of May which happens to be International Workers’ Day. The history and origin of Labour Day differ in different countries. With the growth of industrialisation in Canada towards the end of the 19th century, the labour class became loaded with work. Their number of working hours and the amount of work increased drastically while their wages continued to be meagre. They were exploited to the core and this exploitation caused a lot of distress among them. Many of them fell ill due to the constant workload and many even lost their life owing to this reason. In order to raise their voice against this injustice, labourers from different parts of the country joined hands. They carried out various movements against the tyranny of the capitalist class. Labour Day in Canada In Canada, the Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. The labour class in the country was given its rightful rights after a lot of struggle. A number of movements were carried out in this direction by the labour unions. It was the Toronto Printers Union that demanded lesser working hours in the early 1870s. In March 1872, they went on strike to get their demands fulfilled. They also conducted demonstrations for the rights of the workers. The printing industry in the country suffered immense losses due to this strike. Trade unions were formed in other industries too and soon they all came together to raise their voice against the industrialists. Around 24 leaders were arrested for instigating people to go on strike. Going on strike was an offence at that time. The law did not even allow the formation of trade unions. However, the protests continued and they were soon released. A few months later, a similar parade was organised in Ottawa. This forced the government to revise the law against the trade unions. Canadian Labour Congress was eventually formed. Labour Day in the United States During the late 19th century, the trade unions in the United States suggested a special day to mark the contribution of the labour class towards society. The growing exploitation of the labour class in the United States led to the Central Labour Union and Knights of Labours joining hands. Together, they led the first parade that marked a significant movement against the industrialists who were exploiting the labourers by paying them meagre wages and forcing them to work for long hours. The first parade was held in New York City. Workers from various organisations participated in it to stand for the cause. Their demands were eventually heard. In the year 1887, Labour Day was observed as a public holiday for the first time in Oregon. By 1894 as many as 30 states in the United States began celebrating Labour Day. The day is celebrated to honour the American Labour Movement. Alternatively, it is said that it was Peter J. McGuire from the American Federation of Labour who first suggested that a special day must be dedicated to the labourers. He came up with the proposal in May 1882 after having seen the annual labour festival in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Just as in Canada, Labour Day in the United States is also celebrated on the 1st Monday of September each year. Labour Day is a time to relax and rejuvenate. It is also the time to honour those who fought for the rights of the labourers and brought about reforms. It is only because of the few people who came forward and encouraged others to do so too that the labourers were given their lawful rights.