International Labour Day 2025: Theme, History & Significance

International Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is celebrated annually on May 1st to honour the achievements, struggles, and contributions of workers worldwide. It stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity, advocating for fair wages, humane working conditions, job security, and labour protections that have been fought for over centuries.

Recognized in over 80 countries, Labour Day unites workers, trade unions, and activists in collective action—whether through rallies, parades, or awareness campaigns. The day serves both as a celebration of progress and a reminder of the unfinished work in the global movement for workers’ rights.

The theme for International Labour Day 2025 focuses on “Advancing Workers’ Rights Amidst Technological Change.” This year’s theme acknowledges the profound impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and the gig economy on traditional employment structures.

Governments, trade unions, and employers are called upon to prioritize policies that protect vulnerable workers, ensure inclusive growth, and promote lifelong learning in response to digital transformation. The theme underlines the need for balancing innovation with equity and fairness, ensuring that no worker is left behind in the rapidly evolving world of work.

The story of Labour Day traces back to the labour movement in the late 19th century United States. On May 1st, 1886, thousands of American workers staged a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday. This demand symbolized a shift towards humane working hours amidst harsh industrial conditions.

However, the movement turned tragic during the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where a bomb exploded during a workers’ rally, resulting in the deaths of seven police officers and at least four civilians. Despite the violence, the incident strengthened the resolve of the labour movement.

In 1889, the Second International—a federation of socialist and labour parties—declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day in honour of the Haymarket martyrs and the broader struggle for workers’ rights. Today, the day symbolizes resilience, unity, and the enduring fight for fair labour standards worldwide.

Labour Day in India was first celebrated in 1923 in Chennai (then known as Madras), spearheaded by Comrade Singaravelu Chettiar and the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. During this historic event, the red flag—now a universal symbol of the labour movement—was hoisted for the first time in India.

Interestingly, May 1st also holds dual significance in India, marking Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, commemorating the formation of these two states in 1960. Across India, Labour Day is observed through labour union rallies, awareness events, speeches, and cultural programs highlighting workers’ rights and struggles.

In recent years, with growing attention to gig economy workers, informal labour, and workplace safety, Labour Day celebrations in India have evolved to address modern challenges faced by millions in the unorganized sector.

Here are some fascinating facts about International Labour Day that highlight its global reach and historical significance:

• Over 80 countries officially observe Labour Day on May 1st, making it one of the most celebrated worker-centric holidays worldwide.
• Despite its origins in the United States, the U.S. and Canada observe Labour Day in September, not May.
• Canada’s first Labour Day celebration was in 1872, even earlier than the U.S. observance.
• The red flag has become a universal symbol of labour solidarity, prominently displayed during rallies and protests globally.
• May 1st also commemorates statehood days in Maharashtra and Gujarat, showing its layered significance in India.

India’s labour law landscape has undergone transformative changes with the introduction of Four Labour Codes, aimed at simplifying and consolidating over 40 central labour laws into a streamlined framework:

• Code on Wages, 2019: Standardizes rules on minimum wages, equal pay, payment schedules, and bonuses.
• Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Governs trade unions, strikes, lockouts, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Social Security Code, 2020: Expands access to benefits like PF, ESI, maternity leave, gratuity, and includes protections for gig and platform workers.
• Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Focuses on workplace safety standards, working hours, and employer obligations.

These reforms aim to balance workers’ rights with ease of doing business, though implementation remains a challenge.

India’s Constitution upholds critical labour protections through various Articles:

• Article 23 & 24: Prohibit forced labour and child labour.
• Article 39: Advocates for equal pay for equal work.
• Articles 41 & 43: Ensure the right to work, secure employment, and a living wage.

Additionally, India has ratified key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, including:

• Convention 138: Minimum Age for Employment
• Convention 182: Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labour

These constitutional safeguards form the backbone of India’s legal framework for labour rights and protections.

Workers in India are entitled to several fundamental labour rights, including:

• Right to fair wages and timely payment.
• Right to safe and healthy working conditions.
• Right to form and join trade unions.
• Right to social security benefits like provident fund, ESI, and insurance.
• Protection from discrimination at the workplace.

Awareness of these rights empowers workers to seek redress and protection under the law.

The Indian government has launched several initiatives targeting unorganized and informal workers:

• e-Shram Portal: A national database registering informal workers to link them with social welfare schemes.
• PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: A pension scheme providing old-age security to unorganized sector workers.
• MGNREGA: Guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households.
• National Career Service (NCS): Connects job seekers with employers, offering career counselling and job-matching tools.

These programs aim to expand social protection, formalize labour markets, and bridge welfare gaps.

Labour Day 2025 holds deeper relevance as workers worldwide face new challenges:

• Automation and AI reshaping job markets and threatening routine jobs.
• Gig economy blurring employer-employee relationships, affecting benefits and protections.
• Climate change and green transitions altering labour demand in various industries.
• Remote work creating new debates around work-life balance and labour standards.

This year’s observance emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive policies, upskilling opportunities, and adaptive legal protections to ensure workers thrive amidst global disruptions.