The historic May Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere across the globe today with a pledge to establish the rights of workers. May Day, also known as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday. The day is a public holiday.

On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers’ demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally.

On July 14, 1889, an international workers’ rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers’ sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day.

The government, different trade unions and workers’ organisations will organise elaborate programmes, including discussions, rallies and processions, to observe the day and press for improving the working conditions with better wages and security for the workers.