May 1 is Labor Day. In Nederland it is not a public holiday. Perhaps that's why the meaning is less well known. We list a few facts.
Do you know what we celebrate on Labor Day?
On this day we reflect on employee rights and working conditions. This day has been celebrated for more than 130 years and a lot has been achieved in that time. Yet it remains a super important topic that must continue to receive attention.
Is May 1 - Labor Day actually a public holiday?
The answer is no ... in most other countries it is a public holiday, and there is no work. In Nederland it is different. This is mainly because in Nederland unions and employers have always been fairly peaceful with each other. The struggle for workers' rights was somewhat less intense than in some other countries.
Labor Day has its origins in America
That's right. In 1886, America went on strike on May 1. For example, the Americans wanted to force the introduction of the eight-hour working day. Riots followed in Chicago, in which 11 people were killed. This was the reason for socialists to demonstrate every year on May 1. The eight-hour workday was introduced in 1919 in Nederland .
In other countries, Labor Day is also celebrated on May 1.
New! In most countries yes, but in America, Canada and Australia, for example, 'Labour Day' now takes place on a different date.
Before Labor Day was celebrated on 1 May, the 'Spring Festival' was celebrated on this date in Nederland .
Labor Day all about solidarity
Working conditions also remain an important topic in Nederland , although we have achieved a lot since 1888. Today, May 1 is no longer really celebrated in Nederland . The day is all about interconnectedness, which we think is always a good thing to celebrate.
Happy Labor Day!
Nederlands