Today is International Labour Day, also known as International Worker’s Day or May Day.

The day is celebrated to honour the contribution of working men and women. The theme of Labour Day this year is – Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement.

Labour Day aims to pay tribute to workers sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world.

During industrialization at the beginning of the 19th Century, the industrialists used to exploit the labour class and made them work up to 15 hours a day. The workers rose against this exploitation and demanded paid leaves, proper wages and breaks for the workforce.

The day marks the victory of the workers’ movement for eight hours of work. In India, the first Labour day or May Day was celebrated in 1923 in Chennai.