May 1st holds significance for many Malaysians as it marks Labour Day, a public holiday granting everyone a well-deserved break. Interestingly, while May 1st serves as Labour Day in Malaysia, it isn’t universally recognized as such worldwide.
Different countries commemorate Labour Day on varying dates, each tied to distinct historical events and milestones. For example, Labour Day in Australia isn’t a one-size-fits-all celebration. Depending on the territory, festivities fall in either March or October. New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia raise a glass to workers on the first Monday of October. Meanwhile, Western Australia honors them on the first Monday of March. In the United States, Labour Day is on the first Monday of September, which bridges the calendar gap between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.
The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to the late 1800s, driven by the 8-hour day movement. This movement advocated for a balanced schedule of 8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, and 8 hours for recreation, without any reduction in pay.
During this period, the Industrial Revolution and increasing demands for production led to harsh working conditions in the Western world. Workers endured unregulated, excessively long shifts ranging from 10 to 16 hours, often spanning 6 or 7 days a week. Child labor was also rampant, contributing to a grim reality where thousands of individuals, including men, women, and children, perished annually due to poor working conditions.
In response, labor unions gained traction, prompting workers to organize strikes and rallies to protest against these dire conditions and compel employers to reconsider working hours and compensation.
A significant event occurred on May 1st, 1886, when 200,000 U.S. laborers initiated a nationwide protest dubbed the Haymarket Affair, demanding the implementation of the eight-hour workday. Although intended to be a peaceful demonstration spanning beyond a single day, tensions escalated on May 3rd when clashes erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in injuries and fatalities among protestors.
Tragedy struck on May 4th, as a bomb detonated near Haymarket Square in Chicago, claiming the lives of several individuals, including police officers.
In recognition of the significance of this event and its lasting impact on the labor movement, May 1st was chosen as the date to commemorate Labour Day in many countries around the world. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for workers’ rights and the ongoing struggle for fair and equitable treatment in the workplace.
Labour Day was designated an official public holiday in Malaysia by former Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman, in 1972. During his address at the Labour Bureau Trade Union Seminar and the UMNO Trade Union at Dewan Belia, Kampung Pandan on May 20th, 1972, Dr. Ismail declared May 1st as a public holiday for workers. He emphasized that this day would be dedicated to workers, aligning with the nation’s aspirations. Subsequently, Malaysia celebrated Labour Day for the first time on May 1st, 1973.
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