Every year on May 1st, the world comes together to celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as International Labour Day.
It is a national holiday in Rwanda, just like in more than 80 countries across the globe. This year, the focus is on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate.
The Labour Day is dedicated to honouring the contributions of working people in every industry and sector. It’s not just about celebrating their hard work, but also empowering them to be aware of their rights.
International Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States.
The specific date of May 1st was chosen to commemorate a nationwide strike for an eight-hour workday that commenced on that day in 1886.
This pivotal event, however, culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, a regrettable incident where a labour protest escalated into violence.
However, a bomb explosion resulted in the loss of life for seven police officers and at least four civilians.