Google celebrates the 2019 Labour Day with a doodle honouring workers around the world. This is one day that’s celebrated around the world by labourers of the working class. It is also called Worker’s Day or May Day in some countries.

Also, it has its origins in the labour union movement. The eight-hour day movement advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation and eight hours for rest.

In Nigeria, Labour Day is always celebrated on May 1st. It’s a public holiday in many countries. Whereas, in countries like Canada and the USA it is celebrated on the first Monday in September. While this is an annual holiday, it wouldn’t hurt to know some facts about it.

Interesting facts about Labour Day

• It was first promoted by the International Workers Association in 1904. This was done to commemorate the slaughter of protesting labourers in Haymarket Square in Chicago, USA in 1886.
• The number eight is symbolic. It symbolises the work-day length advocated for by members of the labour union movement.
• The labour union movement rose up against unjust working conditions and demanded better pay, reasonable hours, and paid leaves.
• The UN’s International Labor Organisation found that as the population of the world approaches 7 billion people, 3 billion are employed and about 240 million remain unemployed.
• It annually celebrates the achievements of the workers. While the day has different stories for different countries, the main reason for Labour Day is unfair treatment of the labour class.
• There are more than 200 million children working around the world today, with 120 million engaged in hazardous work. Seventy-three million of these children are under 10 years old.

The theme of this year’s holiday is “Uniting Workers for Social and Economic Advancement”.

• In Nigeria, some take part in nationwide marches and rallies on Labour Day. In addition, there’s also a National May Day Celebration in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
• Some countries, such as Ethiopia, South Africa and Brazil, refer to the public holiday as International Worker’s Day or just Worker’s Day.
• Labour Day Or May Day is called Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas or Kamgar Din in India. It is also referred to as International Workers’ Day or Worker’s Day.
• May Day has been celebrated unofficially in South Africa since the 1980s. 1st May only became an officially recognised public holiday after the democratic elections of 1994.

In Nigeria, May Day as a holiday was first declared on 1st May 1981. It’s one day you can find time to ease yourself from the stress of working. Take some time out to unwind and block out all thoughts of work for the day. Have fun on this year and, while we’re at it, we won’t forget to wish you a Happy May Day!!!