SA commemorates another Workers’ Day
Workers' Day is in fact celebrated in over 80 countries where it is sometimes also known as Labour Day
UNLIKE other public holidays in South Africa, Workers’ Day is in fact celebrated in over 80 countries where it is sometimes also known as Labour Day.
Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, originated within the historical struggles of workers and their trade unions for solidarity between working people, and in their struggles to achieve fair employment standards.
ALSO READ: Debunking misconceptions about the security industry
Prior to 1994, South Africa observed the 1 May public holiday as Labour Day or May Day, but the name was changed to Workers’ Day at the dawn of the country’s democracy.
Workers’ Day in South Africa commemorates the role of the trade unions, the South African Communist Party and other labour movements in the struggle against apartheid.
The first May Day celebrations that focused on workers, took place on 1 May 1890 after a proclamation by the first international congress of socialist parties in Europe on 14 July 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate 1 May every year as the ‘Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity’.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland May Day, which is a bank (public) holiday, is observed on the first Monday of May.
In the USA, Labour Day is observed on the first Monday in September.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
