History of Labour Day in Timeline

Labour Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the achievements of workers. It originated from the labour union movement, particularly the eight-hour day movement, which fought for a workday consisting of eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

1900: First Celebration of Labour Day in Canada

Canada celebrated its first Labour Day in 1900, marking the beginning of a tradition that recognizes and honors the contributions of workers to the nation's progress.

1903: First Labor Day Protest in the Philippines

In 1903, during the American colonial era, the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina organized a protest in Manila, marking the first Labor Day observance in the Philippines.

1908: Official Recognition of Labor Day in the Philippines

Labor Day gained official recognition as a holiday in the Philippines in 1908, signifying a step towards acknowledging workers' rights.

1910: Change of Date for Labour Day in Canada

The date of Labour Day in Canada was moved to the fourth Monday in October in 1910.

1913: First Official Labor Day Commemoration in the Philippines

The Philippines held its first official Labor Day commemoration in 1913, solidifying the day's significance in the country's calendar.

May 1923: First Labour Day Celebration in India

India celebrated its first Labour Day on May 1, 1923, in Chennai, organized by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. This day marked the beginning of recognizing workers' rights and contributions in India.

1937: Butler Labour Riots

The Butler labor riots, a pivotal event in Trinidad and Tobago's labor history, took place in 1937, eventually influencing the proposal to establish Labour Day in the country.

May 1938: Bustamante-Led Labour Rebellion

On May 23, 1938, a significant labour rebellion took place in Jamaica, under the leadership of Alexander Bustamante. This pivotal event played a crucial role in Jamaica's journey towards independence and heavily influenced the establishment of Labour Day.

1942: The Significant Workers' Strike

On June 7, 1942, a major workers' strike began in the Bahamas, which is now commemorated as Labour Day. This event holds a significant place in Bahamian history.

1961: Replacement of Empire Day with Labour Day

In 1961, Jamaica made a significant shift by replacing Empire Day with Labour Day. This decision, initiated by Chief Minister Norman Washington Manley, aimed to commemorate the 1938 labor rebellion led by Alexander Bustamante, a pivotal event in Jamaica's struggle for independence.

1972: Labour Day Transformed into a Day of Community Service

In 1972, Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley spearheaded a movement to redefine Labour Day, transforming it from a mere public holiday into a day dedicated to community service. Manley's vision emphasized the importance of labor in Jamaica's development.

1973: Proposal for Labour Day in Trinidad and Tobago

In 1973, a proposal was put forth to establish Labour Day in Trinidad and Tobago, choosing to commemorate it on the anniversary of the 1937 Butler labor riots.

May 1977: Taksim Square Massacre

A tragic event known as the Taksim Square Massacre occurred on May 1, 1977, casting a shadow over Labour Day celebrations in Turkey and shaping the way the day is commemorated.

1995: Replacement of International Workers' Day

In 1995, the government of Kazakhstan chose to replace International Workers' Day with Kazakhstan People's Unity Day, marking a shift in the country's approach to commemorating labor.

1999: Labour Day Becomes Public Holiday in Hong Kong

The year 1999 marked the year when Labour Day was officially recognized as a public holiday in Hong Kong.

2008: Change in Labour Day Holiday Duration

In 2008, the duration of the Labour Day holiday in China was changed from a three-day holiday to a one-day holiday.

2013: Labour Day Holiday and "Make-Up" Workdays

In 2013, the Labour Day holiday in China, falling on a Wednesday, resulted in a unique situation where preceding workdays were taken off but required "making up" by working on the preceding weekend.

2013: Establishment of Labour Day in Kazakhstan

In late 2013, Kazakhstan officially established Labour Day as a national holiday. This decision reflects the country's commitment to recognizing the contributions of its workforce.