Labour Day is a yearly holiday where people from all over the world celebrate workers achievements. It is synonymous with International Workers’ Day in most countries and usually occurs on 1st May every year. Some countries refer it to as May or Workers’ Day. So, why is the day so special?
Kenya usually marks the day at Uhuru Park where the President, Deputy President and some officials from Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), a workers’ union, address people. Here is the history of Labour Day, why most employees eagerly wait for it, why and how its celebrations are done in Kenya.
Labour Day history
Peasants in the US were being overworked as most of them tilled continuously for more than ten hours a day. This often left them tired and could hardly manage to perform tasks as expected the next day.
Some railway employees felt this was inhuman and took to the streets to demand the reduction of working hours to around eight. However, this was not as successful as they were brutally attacked and dispersed by the police force. More law enforcement personnel were increased and more dangerous weapons given to them. Rich businessmen financed the whole operation forcing the peasants to surrender.
In 1886’s May 4th Haymarket Event, an unknown labourer threw a bomb to police officers. One officer died instantly while six others were injured and died later. The remaining police officers attacked the crowd. As a result, many peasants were killed and injured.
In early 1889, Labour Day was created in memory of the workers killed in 1886. Successful street protests organized by AFL (American Federation of Labour) forced International Socialists Congress to ordain the May 1st as an annual celebration.
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Is Labour Day a public holiday in Kenya?
Yes, May Day is one of the holidays celebrated in Kenya. However, not all the countries in the world celebrate the day. For instance, Sudan and South Sudan don’t celebrate the day. Also in Australia, Canada, and the US, the International Workers Day is not celebrated on 1st May.
Why do workers look forward to Labour Day?
May Day is a celebration of the plights and achievements of all the employees in the country. For this reason, it is an important day for anyone employed by the government, private companies, individuals and so on.
On this day, the salary of workers in regions where costs of living are high, or the prices of basic good are high compared to other areas is looked into. Employees’ health and safety at work are addressed, and the necessary steps are taken to improve them. This ensures that everyone performs his/her tasks under a good work environment as the constitution states. May Day also recognises the efforts of workers in steering the development of the country.
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Apart from commemorating the achievements of all the workers worldwide, Labour Day also reminds us of the peasants who died while fighting for the current 8-hour system. Congratulations to all employees out here who carry out their duties in spite of the limited resources aggravated by myriads of challenges.