May Day 2028: Date, History & Significance

Trade unions across the political spectrum hold marches, red-flag rallies and public meetings on wages, job security, safety and social protection; governments and employers announce welfare measures. In Maharashtra and Gujarat 1 May is also Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, marking the two states' formation in 1960.

May Day grew from the campaign for the eight-hour day in the United States and the Haymarket affair of Chicago in May 1886, when a labour demonstration ended in violence and the execution of organisers. The Second International designated 1 May as International Workers' Day in 1889; it spread worldwide as a day of labour solidarity, and reached India through the early trade-union and left movements.

Source: Government of India / United Nations designation and official observance

The first May Day in India was organised by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan in Madras (Chennai) on 1 May 1923, which also saw the red flag first used in India. It is now a public holiday in most states.

• Wikipedia

1. Marked on 1 May, commemorating the struggle for the eight-hour working day; in India it was first observed in Madras in 1923.
2. Trade unions hold rallies and meetings, and it is a public holiday in several states.
3. In Maharashtra and Gujarat it is also the state formation day.

• Nationwide. Trade-union marches and rallies, meetings on labour rights, and government welfare announcements.
• Maharashtra and Gujarat. Also Maharashtra Day / Gujarat Day, marking the formation of the two states on 1 May 1960.

• Rally meals — Unions sometimes serve community meals at rallies.

Labour Day falls on Monday, 1 May 2028. International Workers' Day.

at sunrise

May Day is kept on 1 May (fixed) — International Workers' Day. It follows the Gregorian civil calendar and does not move.

The date is set by the Hindu lunisolar calendar and shifts against the Gregorian year.