International Workers' Day (May Day) - An Overview
Historical Background
- Date of Observation: 1st May annually
- Origin: Haymarket Affair at Haymarket Square, Chicago (1886)
- A peaceful workers' rally demanding 8-hour workday turned violent after a bomb explosion
- Occurred during Industrial Revolution when workers laboured 10-16 hours in unsafe conditions
- Formal Declaration: 1889 - Second International declared 1st May as International Workers' Day to honor Haymarket Martyrs
- Core Principle: 8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, 8 hours for personal life
ILO Theme 2026
"Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment"
- Highlights rising workplace stress, burnout, and mental health issues
- Urges governments and employers to prioritize psychosocial risk management alongside physical well-being
First Celebration in India
- Date: 1st May 1923
- Location: Madras (now Chennai)
- Organizer: Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar
- Communist leader and founder of Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan
- Historical Significance: First time the Red Flag (symbolizing labor and communist ideology) was hoisted in India
Constitutional Provisions for Workers in India
Part III - Fundamental Rights
| Article | Provision |
|---|
| Article 19(1)(c) | Right to form associations or trade unions |
| Article 23 | Prohibits human trafficking and forced labour (begar) |
| Article 24 | Prohibits child labour below 14 years in hazardous work |
Part IV - Directive Principles of State Policy
| Article | Provision |
|---|
| Article 39(e) | Protects workers' health and strength from exploitation |
| Article 41 | Right to work, education, and public assistance |
| Article 42 | Just and humane working conditions and maternity relief |
| Article 43 | Living wage, decent standard of life, social and cultural opportunities |
| Article 43A | Workers' participation in management (added by 42nd Amendment, 1976) |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Haymarket Affair: 1886, Chicago - origin of International Workers' Day
- Second International: 1889 - declared May 1st as Workers' Day
- India's First May Day: 1st May 1923, Madras
- Pioneer in India: Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar
- First Red Flag: Hoisted in India during 1923 May Day celebration
- 42nd Amendment (1976): Added Article 43A on workers' participation in management