International Labour Day 2025 was celebrated on Thursday, May 1, to recognize the contributions and rights of workers across the globe. Also known as Workers' Day or May Day, the 2025 theme was “Social Justice and Decent Work · Safety and Health of Workers.” Learn about its history, global significance, Indian labour laws, constitutional rights, and why it's important for UPSC exam preparation.
theIAShub | 01 May, 2025 | 1196 | 0 |
International Labour Day 2025 was celebrated on Thursday, May 1st, 2025. Recognised globally as a tribute to the contributions and rights of workers, it stands as a key moment for governments, labour unions, and citizens to reflect on past achievements and present challenges in the world of work.
Also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, this day holds great significance, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC exam, as it highlights themes like labour welfare, social justice, and workers’ rights.
Check out the International Women’s Day
| Aspect | Details |
| Other Names | International Labour Day / Workers’ Day / May Day |
| Date | Thursday, 1st May 2025 |
| First Observed | 1 May 1889 (Inspired by 1886 Haymarket Affair) |
| Purpose | Honoring workers and promoting fair labour practices |
| Historical Origins | 19th-century labour movement for an 8-hour workday |
| Global Observance | Public holiday in over 80 countries |
| Celebration Forms | Rallies, parades, speeches, seminars, cultural programs |
| Theme for 2025 | Safety and Health of Workers |
| Notable Exception | USA and Canada observe “Labour Day” in September |
Read the article World Heritage Day for the UPSC Exam.
The official theme for International Labour Day 2025 is “Social Justice and Decent Work · Safety and Health of Workers.” This theme highlights the importance of promoting fair treatment, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities for all workers.
Each year, Labour Day focuses on pressing global labour issues—ranging from fair wages and gender equality to digital transformation and occupational safety. The 2025 theme reinforces the global call for a just transition in the workplace, ensuring dignity, health, and rights for every worker.
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The roots of International Labour Day go deep into the labour movement in the United States during the late 19th century.
On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers in Chicago began a strike advocating for an eight-hour workday. This event escalated into the Haymarket Affair, a major incident that, despite its violence, spotlighted the urgent need for labour reforms.
In 1889, the Second International, an international socialist organization, formally declared May 1 as a day to honor workers globally.
In India, the first celebration of Labour Day took place on 1st May 1923 in Chennai (then Madras), initiated by Comrade Singaravelu Chettiar. He used the occasion to highlight the importance of workers’ rights and raise awareness about labour movements in India.
Also Read: World Earth Day.
The Constitution of India also strongly supports the dignity and welfare of workers. Important constitutional provisions include:
Additionally, India has ratified important ILO Conventions, like:
However, challenges persist, especially in the informal sector, where around 90% of India’s workforce is employed.
Government initiatives like the e-Shram Portal, PM Shram Yogi Maandhan, and MGNREGA aim to bring social security to these unorganised workers.
Check out the article Important Days in April 2025.
India has a strong constitutional and legal framework to protect workers’ rights.
Significant changes came recently when 29 central labour laws were merged into four major labour codes:
These reforms aim to simplify and modernize laws around wages, job security, working conditions, and benefits such as Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), gratuity, and maternity entitlements.
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It commemorates the 1886 workers’ strike in Chicago for an eight-hour workday, famously known as the Haymarket Affair.
No, the official theme for 2025 has not been released yet.
Comrade Singaravelu Chettiar started the Labour Day celebrations in India in 1923 in Chennai.
Labour laws fall under the Concurrent List, meaning both the Centre and States can make laws on labour matters.
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