International Labour Day, or May Day, or International Workers’ Day is celebrated each year on May 1st. It is a day to remember the labour and accomplishments of workers globally and is a strong symbol of solidarity, social justice, and the continuous struggle for the rights of workers.
As we count down to International Labour Day 2025, here’s the lowdown—its history, anticipated theme, and how it’s celebrated around the world.
When Is International Labour Day 2025?
International Labour Day 2025 is on Thursday, May 1st.
This significant date has been commemorated since 1889 when the Second International announced May 1st to be a day celebrating the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. The movement itself was mainly for promoting the eight-hour workday, and in time, the day evolved to be an international event celebrating labor rights.
Theme for International Labour Day 2025
Every year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other labour organizations declare a theme which captures major challenges or trends in the world of work.
Although the 2025 theme has not been declared yet, some previous themes are:
- Social Justice and Decent Work
- Safety and Health at Work
- Digitalization and the Future of Jobs
- Gender Equality in the Workplace
Stay tuned: The 2025 theme is likely to cover pertinent topics such as:
- Climate justice
- Artificial intelligence at the workplace
- Economic recovery after COVID
- Reskilling and upskilling employees
How Is Labour Day Celebrated Globally?
May Day festivities are different in each country but generally involve rallies, marches, parades, and public addresses by labor unions and activists. It’s also a work-free day in most locations, spent on community functions, protests, and celebrating labor rights accomplishments.
Public Holidays on May 1st in Various Countries
More than 80 nations observe May 1st as a public holiday, among them:
- India
- France
- Germany
- Russia
- China
- Brazil
- South Africa
These nations tend to hold official events or grant time off for public demonstrations and worker appreciation programs.
Countries That Do Not Celebrate Labour Day on May 1st
Surprisingly, not all nations mark Labour Day on May 1st. Some nations have alternative dates to commemorate workers, such as:
- United States – Celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September.
- Canada – Also celebrates Labour Day in September.
- Australia – Celebrated on varying dates across different states, but usually in March or October.
In these countries, May 1st does not have any significant importance as a labor holiday.
International Labour Day Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Observed | May 1, 1890 |
| Origin | Chicago’s Haymarket Affair |
| Also Known As | May Day, International Workers’ Day |
| Official Body | International Labour Organization (ILO) |
| Celebrated In | Over 80 countries |
Final Thoughts
International Labour Day 2025 is not just an extra day off work—it’s a celebration of labor movement history and a call to remember workers’ rights fought for and yet contested today.
If you’re participating in a march, getting the day off, or reflecting on the struggle of workers, May 1st is a day to remember and celebrate the workers who fuel the world’s economy.
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