International Labour Day 2025: Which countries get a holiday?

International Labour Day, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, is a global observance on May 1st, dedicated to acknowledging the contributions and struggles of workers worldwide.

Originating from the historical labour movement, this day has evolved into a significant symbol of unity, the pursuit of fair employment terms, and social justice. However, the date and manner of its observance vary across nations.

This year, Labour Day falls on Thursday, May 1, 2025. This date commemorates the anniversary of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago (1886), a protest by workers advocating for an eight-hour workday. The ensuing tragic violence became a crucial turning point in labor history, leading to the international recognition of May 1st as a day for workers to stand in solidarity.

The official theme from the ILO for 2025 has not yet been announced. However, past themes have commonly addressed:

Over 160 countries recognise May Day as a public holiday, often marked by rallies, parades, and various cultural celebrations. Notably, major countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada do not observe Labour Day on this date.

Despite its historical connection to the origins of May Day, the United States does not observe Labour Day on May 1st. Instead, it is celebrated on the first Monday of September.

This timing was strategically chosen after the Pullman Strike of 1894, effectively separating American labor commemorations from the socialist and communist movements frequently associated with May Day.

Canada also observes Labour Day on the first Monday of September, distinguishing its tradition from the international May Day.

In the UK and Ireland, the Early May Bank Holiday occurs on the first Monday of May. While close to May Day, this holiday is more broadly a spring celebration rather than a specific commemoration of labour.

The diverse ways in which Labour Day is observed globally are rooted in varying political, historical, and cultural contexts. While socialist movements embraced May 1, Western democracies like the United States and Canada distanced themselves partly due to Cold War politics and concerns about radical ideologies.

Despite not being a universal holiday, the core values of Labour Day—solidarity, dignity of work, and collective action—resonate globally. On May 1, 2025, it continues to stand as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for fair treatment and safe working conditions in a rapidly changing world.