Labour Day in Singapore is a public holiday honoring workers' contributions, celebrated with official events, union activities, and community festivities, while also giving workers a well-earned day of rest.

When is Labour Day?

Labour Day in Singapore is celebrated every year on May 1.

The following is the list of Labour Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Labour Day?

Labour Day (also called International Workers' Day) is observed on May 1 worldwide, rooted in the late 19th-century labor movement, particularly the fight for the eight-hour workday after the Haymarket affair in Chicago (1886). The day became a symbol of workers' solidarity, rights, and dignity across many countries.

In the early 20th century, Singapore's labor movement began to grow as trade unions were formed to represent workers, many of whom faced poor working conditions, long hours, and low wages under colonial rule.

After World War II, worker activism intensified, with strikes and protests becoming more frequent in the 1950s. Following Singapore's move toward self-government, the People's Action Party (PAP) came to power in 1959, with strong support from trade unions.

In 1960, Labour Day was officially declared a public holiday in Singapore. This decision recognized the importance of workers in the nation's development and the role of trade unions in improving labor conditions.

It also symbolized the government's partnership with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), established in 1961, which became a key part of Singapore's labor system.

Unlike in some countries where Labour Day is marked by protests, in Singapore it emphasizes tripartism: cooperation between government, employers and unions.

Over the decades, this approach has contributed to industrial peace, rising productivity, and better living standards.