Labour Day

noun

, British.

1. a holiday in honor of labor, celebrated on May 1 in Britain and some parts of the Commonwealth, but on the first Monday in September in Canada, on the fourth Monday in October in New Zealand, and with varying dates in the different states of Australia.

Labour Day

noun

1. a public holiday in many countries in honour of labour, usually held on May 1 See also Labor Day

Example Sentences

Last week's five-day public holiday to mark labour day saw 295 million trips made within China, according to figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

From BBC

It was hosting a diving expedition over the Labour Day holiday weekend.

From BBC

Canada’s Labour Day became official that same year, more than two decades after trade unions were legalized in the country, following the first parades of workers held in Ottawa and Toronto, according to Encyclopaedia Britannica.

From Seattle Times

A dilemma for developers is what to do with a stone platform on the site of the new square that was used by communist dignitaries to watch military parades such as the May 1 Labour Day march-past, the most important date in the socialist calendar.

From Reuters

Around 500,000 people visited the former Portugues colony during the five day Labour Day holiday at the start of May, crowding onto its pastel coloured streets surrounding historical sights Senado Square and the Ruins of St Paul's and packing its glitzy casinos.

From Reuters

More About Labour Day

What is Labour Day?

Labour Day is a day to honor workers and commemorate the labor movement.

The day is often marked by parades and political demonstrations focused on the rights of workers and proper working conditions.

Labour Day is observed in many places but is sometimes called International Workers’ Day or simply Workers’ Day. The U.S. holiday known as Labor Day, which also honors workers, occurs on a different date.

When is Labour Day?

In many locations, Labour Day occurs on May 1, a day also observed in some places as May Day. In New Zealand, Labour Day falls on the fourth Monday in October. Different places in Australia observe Labour Day on different dates, including on May 1.

In the U.S., the day called Labor Day occurs on the first Monday in September. This same date is used in Canada, where the day is known as Labour Day.

More information and context on Labour Day

May 1 became associated with workers and the labor movement in the late 1800s when the date was chosen to commemorate labor protests at Haymarket Square in Chicago in 1886. At that time, workers went on strike to demand an eight-hour workday. In what became known as the Haymarket Riot or the Haymarket Affair, police killed several protesters, and a bomb was thrown at police. Although the person behind the bombing was never identified, some anarchist organizers were arrested and sentenced to death for the incident.

In the U.S., the holiday known as Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894. May 1 had been observed in honor of workers and the labor movement prior to that time, but President Grover Cleveland is credited with promoting the move to the first Monday in September to distance the day from its anarchist and socialist origins.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Labour Day?

• Labor Day
• May Day
• labor movement
• workers
• parade
• demonstration
• protest
• march
• rights
• socialism
• anarchism
• Haymarket Square

How is Labour Day discussed in real life?

Labour Day is often observed with marches, demonstrations, and other events focused on the rights of workers. It is sometimes called Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day. In some places, it’s synonymous with the day known as May Day.

Decent work is key to making the #SDGs a reality. On this #LabourDay, let’s remember that progress towards sustainable development requires opportunities that deliver decent jobs for all.

— Guy Ryder (@GuyRyder) May 1, 2018

May 1st International Labour Day demonstration in Madrid Spain pic.twitter.com/3MbNcwCGQ1

— Lawrence_lawmoment (@lolang) May 1, 2017

As we observe Labour Day today. Let's ensure that the backbone of our economy, the workers, are heard and well taken care of.

On Labour Day, swaraj India demands: no more discrimination and equal Pay for equal work.#LabourDay2020 | #MayDay pic.twitter.com/4K2w5Mqwg1

— Swaraj India (@_SwarajIndia) May 1, 2020

Try using Labour Day!

True or False?

Labour Day falls on the same day in every place where it’s observed.