Labour Day in The Gambia is part of a global tradition known as International Workers' Day or May Day, which honors the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement. In The Gambia, Labour Day shares this international origin but is also shaped by the country's own political and social development.

When is Labour Day?

Labour Day in The Gambia is celebrated every year on May 1.

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

The History of Labour Day?

The roots of Labour Day go back to the Haymarket affair in Chicago, USA (1886), where workers protesting for an 8-hour workday were met with violence.

In 1889, the Second International declared May 1st as International Workers' Day, encouraging worldwide demonstrations for workers' rights.

The Gambia, like many former British colonies, adopted Labour Day as part of a broader post-colonial identity that emphasized nation-building and workers' contributions.

In the post-independence period after 1965, Labour Day became an official public holiday, recognizing the role of Gambian workers in the young nation's economy and development.

Trade unions such as the Gambia Workers' Union (GWU) and other organized labor bodies have used Labour Day to advocate for better wages and labor protections.

The government in The Gambia often uses Labour Day as a platform to announce labour reforms or acknowledge public service contributions.