International Labour Day

International Labour Day, celebrated on May 1, recognises the contributions of workers and the global struggle for labour rights. 
•  The day commemorates the Haymarket Affair in Chicago (1886), where workers protested for an eight-hour workday. 
•  The movement marked a turning point in the global labour rights movement, leading to improved working conditions worldwide. 
Historical Evolution 
•  The late 19th century saw industrial workers facing long hours, unsafe conditions, and lack of legal protection. 
•  The demand for an 8-hour workday became the central slogan of labour movements across industrial economies. 
•  In India, the first May Day celebration was held in Madras (1923) by M Singaravelu, marking the formal beginning of organised labour mobilisation. 
Key Developments in India
•  The Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, founded by Singaravelu, advocated worker and farmer welfare before the formation of the Communist Party of India (1925). 
•  Early labour demands included: 
o  Eight-hour workday and reduced working hours for women and minors. 
o  Improved housing, healthcare, and social security for workers. 
o  Paid maternity leave, insurance, and old-age support. 
•  The movement also linked labour rights with broader social reforms like universal education and voting rights. 
Significance
•  Labour Day symbolises the transition from exploitative industrial practices to rights-based labour governance. 
•  It highlights the role of collective action in securing workplace protections and social justice. 
•  In India, it reflects the early integration of labour issues with the freedom struggle and socio-economic reforms.