Countries worldwide celebrate a special day called Labour Day every year on the 1st of May. But do you know what the real context behind the celebration of Labour Day is?
You will learn about the information, history and essence of Labour Day in this blog. Also, about why 1st May is important for all of us, even students and how we can celebrate it.
Let’s begin.
Labour Day 2025
Labour Day, also called International Workers’ Day or May Day, by people. On 1st May, the public holiday is observed in Pakistan to honour all workers out there. This day makes us recognise the value of the hard work of men and women, who are working to make their own and others’ lives better every day. May Day reminds us that every job is important, whether it is a teacher, a doctor, an engineer, a farmer, or a cleaner etc.
May Day 2025 will be observed on 1st May this year. People worldwide, including Pakistan, will celebrate this important holiday. On this public holiday, workers from offices, banks, and schools take a break and spend some quality time with their families.
May Day provides us a chance to learn about the efforts of workers. It also provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our treatment of the workers today. This day gives us a break to think about the dignity, fairness and importance of hard work.
We believe that students at Punjab Group of Colleges should know the actual meaning of 1st May. The true essence of 1st May helps us grow into generous and humble citizens.
The History of Labour Day
Labour Day began in the United States of America in the 19th century. At that specific time, factory workers had to work for very long hours per day, even on weekends. Also, these workers didn’t get sufficient wages without breaks. Moreover, workers, along with their families, had to work in insecure environments.
Because of these unfair working conditions, workers in Chicago started a big protest in 1886. Haymarket Affair was another name for this protest. The protestors’ demand was to reduce working hours to 8 hours only. They want the remaining 8 hours to relax and the other 8 hours to spend quality time with family.
The protest turned violent as some people got hurt. Also, a few workers even lost their lives during the protest. Those who died are remembered as heroes because they stood up for fairness and workers’ rights. This event is marked as a historic turning point for workers’ rights worldwide.
Many countries, including Pakistan, began to celebrate May 1st to honour the bravery of workers who lost their lives while standing for the rights of workers. In 1972, after the successful implementation of Pakistan’s first Labour Policy, May Day was officially recognised in Pakistan. So, this day acknowledges workers and continues fighting for their rights.
The Essence of Labour Day
The true spirit of Labour Day is about giving respect, treating others with equality, and living with unity. It is about ensuring not to treat anyone unfairly because of their job. It reminds us that every worker matters, and we build a better world together. This day recall for better facilities for workers. May Day is also a call for peace and collaboration because society becomes happier and more successful when workers are treated equally.
Why is Labour Day Important?
Admiration for workers
Every job, whether it is big or small, inside the home or outside the home, deserves proper respect. Our world cannot work properly without workers. So, we get a chance to thank the working people on this 1st May, who work daily to make our lives improve and better.
Reminds workers of their rights
May Day helps us remind everybody that workers’ rights must be protected and improved. They should have 8-hour workdays and get weekly holidays. Moreover, the working environment should be safe. Also, workers should be provided with a minimum wage for their hard work.
Give value to hard work
To give importance to honest work of people, Labour Day is best realisation factor. We learn not to undervalue any work. The efforts are equally valuable to someone who is cleaning the street or someone who is running a business. All the working people are putting their effort according to their skills and capacities.
Celebrating Labour Day in Pakistan
In Pakistan, May Day is a national holiday. This day has been marked through seminars, rallies, and various programs intended to promote workers’ rights and address the challenges they are facing.
Various events and parades are organised by Labour unions all over Pakistan, where speeches are delivered by their leaders about Labour Day, its history and its prominence. Street processions are arranged by the workers and unions, which portray unity with workers around the world. Newspapers, radio and TV channels broadcast special programs on May Day.
How do Students Celebrate Labour Day?
Students can also play an important role in the May Day 2025 celebration. Here are some easy things you can do to celebrate International Workers’ Day:
Pay Gratitude
Say kind words to your school’s sweepers, drivers, security guards, and helpers. Your one kind word means a lot for them.
Learn About Labour Movements
Try to gather information regarding Labour Day and its history. You can also read stories or watch short documentaries about it. Also, many child-friendly videos are presented online that describe this in simple ways.
Share a Drawing or Poem
You can make a card, write a poem, or draw a picture and give it to someone in your community. Also, you can post it on social media with your parents’ help.
Talk to Your Family
Talk to your parents and ask about their jobs and what they do. Appreciate your parents’ effort for your happiness and comfort.
A Message from Punjab Group of Colleges
We believe that students at Punjab Group of Colleges are the leaders, doctors, engineers, and teachers of tomorrow. You become more caring and gentler by learning about Labour Day. Also, we encourage every student at our college to treat workers with appropriate respect and always give true respect to all jobs. Let us all make this day meaningful by spreading sympathy.
For more information visit Punjab Group of Colleges.
Final Thoughts
Labour Day is not just a purposeless holiday; it is actually a reminder that every worker needs to be treated fairly, safely, and respectfully. Let’s pay tribute to the workers who built the world we live in. Further, we should make a promise to become better people who care for others.
On this May Day, take a moment to thank workers, learn something meaningful, and spread kindness with everyone. That’s a great way to celebrate.
