International Labour Day 2025: Honouring Workers, Building Futures

Every year on May 1st, the world pauses to honour its backbone — the workers. International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a symbol of struggle, rights, dignity, and justice. From factories to farms, offices to construction sites — this day belongs to every hand that builds, creates, cleans, and sustains.

In 2025, as the world evolves with AI and automation, this day reminds us of the human stories, sweat, and spirit that still power our global engine.

History of International Labour Day

Year	Event
1886	The Haymarket Affair in Chicago began with workers demanding an 8-hour workday. It ended in violence but became the catalyst for labour movements worldwide.
1889	The Second International declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Haymarket protests.
Early 20th Century	Countries like India, Russia, and China began observing May Day as a celebration of workers.
1923 (India)	The first Labour Day was celebrated in Chennai (then Madras) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

 

Why is International Labour Day Celebrated?

• To honour the struggles and contributions of workers.
• To promote workers’ rights, including fair wages, decent hours, and safe workplaces.
• To reflect on labour movements that won rights we take for granted today.
• To raise awareness about ongoing issues like child labour, unpaid labour, and exploitation.

Significance of May Day in 2025

• Post-Pandemic Realities: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the value of essential workers — healthcare, delivery, sanitation. May Day 2025 reaffirms their rights and importance.
• AI & Automation: As machines replace jobs, May Day becomes a call to protect the human workforce through retraining, dignity, and regulation.
• Climate Labour: As green jobs rise, workers must be trained and respected in new sustainable sectors.
• Global Solidarity: Across countries, workers face different laws, but their hopes and struggles remain similar.

International Labour Day Theme 2025

“Ensuring Dignity and Justice for Every Worker in a Changing World”

This theme emphasizes human values, inclusivity, and fairness in the ever-evolving global labour landscape.

Inspirational Quotes for International Labour Day

1. “The hands that build should never go empty.” – Anonymous
2. “Without labour, nothing prospers.” – Sophocles
3. “Work is not just a job; it is the dignity of living.” – Kailash Satyarthi
4. “All labour that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
5. “Celebrate the worker. Without them, progress is just a dream.” – Unknown
6. “Hard work never goes unnoticed, only unappreciated.” – Unknown
7. “Let every sweat drop be respected, not exploited.” – Anonymous
8. “A day for the working class is a day for humanity.” – Karl Marx
9. “Power to the people who power the world.” – Unknown
10. “Dignity in labour is peace in society.” – Mahatma Gandhi

FAQ on International Labour Day 

Q1. What is International Labour Day?

A: It is a global celebration on May 1st that honours the struggles and achievements of workers and labour rights movements.

Q2. Why is it called May Day?

A: The day originated from the Haymarket protests in May 1886 and is observed globally as a tribute to labour movements.

Q3. When was Labour Day first observed in India?

A: In 1923, in Chennai, by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

Q4. Is Labour Day a public holiday?

A: In many countries, yes. In India and others, it’s observed as a public or state holiday.

Q5. What does the 2025 theme focus on?

A: Dignity, justice, and inclusivity in a transforming world of work.

Q6. How can people celebrate Labour Day?

A: Through marches, awareness programs, art, tributes, and policy discussions. Also by simply thanking workers around you.

Q7. What are the challenges faced by workers today?

A: Job insecurity, exploitation, lack of healthcare, automation, and unsafe work conditions.

Q8. Is child labour still a problem?

A: Yes, in many parts of the world. May Day is also a platform to fight such injustices.

Q9. What is the role of trade unions?

A: They protect workers’ rights, negotiate wages, and improve working conditions.

Q10. Can Labour Day still inspire change?

A: Absolutely. It reminds us annually of the collective power of workers and the need for fairness and equity in the workplace.

Conclusion

International Labour Day 2025 is more than a date — it is a reminder that every brick laid, every field sown, every button clicked on your device, has a human hand behind it. As we race toward innovation and efficiency, let us not forget the workers who built the path. Celebrate them, protect their rights, and keep their dignity at the heart of our progress.