Labour Day is celebrated on May 1st to honor the international labor movement and workers' rights. Although it is not a national public holiday, it is officially recognized in several cantons and cities. Its roots in Switzerland date back to the late 19th century, closely aligned with the global rise of socialism and unionism.

When is Labour Day?

Labour Day in Switzerland 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 has its roots in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, 1886, where workers protested for an eight-hour workday.

Following this, in 1889, the Second International (a socialist organization) declared May 1st as International Workers' Day to commemorate the Haymarket martyrs and advance workers' causes.

Switzerland was among the first countries in Europe to embrace Labour Day.

On May 1, 1890, workers and socialist groups organized public rallies in major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva and Basel.

Labour Day became more formalized, though World War I and WWII disrupted some celebrations. After WWII, it regained strength and expanded to include broader social justice themes, including women's rights and universal healthcare.