May Day

Today is Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day in some countries. It originated in the US, and the first Labour Day parade was held in New York City in 1882.  However, unlike in many countries, this is observed there on the first Monday of September. Irrespective of where, Labour Day has always been a commemoration of the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement and their contributions to our society.

I thought of writing about how AI is impacting labour and employment. However, other more impactful issues came to mind: wars and oil crisis and their effects on workers and their working conditions. How about the health and well-being of workers?  How about the relevance of unions? How about the globalisation of labour?

Cambridge dictionary defines labour as “practical work, especially involving physical effort” (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/labour). Likewise, Collins Dictionary describes it as “very hard work, usually physical work” (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/labour). I was never in a job that required physical work, yet I used to join the annual Labour Day parade in Australia. I haven’t done this since my move to Europe. Is Labour Day still relevant today? YES.

Though Labour Day is often associated with factory workers, unions, and blue-collar jobs, it is significant for white-collar workers and professionals.

Labour Day is about workers’ rights, and this includes anyone who sells their labour, whether it’s physical or intellectual. Many of the protections white-collar professionals take for granted (like the 8-hour workday, weekends, paid leave, and workplace safety standards) came out of actions that Labour Day commemorates. Whether you’re in an office or working remotely, those norms that you enjoy didn’t just appear naturally; they were fought for.

Nowadays, white-collar work (e.g. teaching, training, consulting, IT, etc) brings its own challenges. Issues like burnout, unpaid overtime, “always-on” digital culture, job insecurity, and lack of boundaries are very much labour matters. For example, the expectation to answer emails at all hours or work beyond contracted time echoes older struggles, just in a different form.

The rise of the gig economy and contract-based professional work means many highly skilled workers now face less stability and fewer benefits, which are labour concerns.

It’s also about solidarity. Labour Day isn’t just about one class of workers; it’s about recognising that all workers (whether in offices, hospitals, classrooms, or factories — permanent, temporary, contractual, or independent) share common interests in rights, dignity, and well-being.

For professionals, it seems less about marching in the streets (though some do; I did) and more about reflecting on questions like: Are my working conditions fair? Do I have healthy boundaries with work? How secure and respected is my role?

In short, Labour Day is a reminder that being a worker isn’t defined by the type of job, but by the relationship to work itself. Happy Labour Day!

By the way, March 9 is Europe Day.  “On 9 May 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech and plan for deeper cooperation in Europe. Known as the Schuman Declaration, it paved the way for a new era of peace, integration and cooperation across the continent – laying the foundations for the European Union as we know it today”. – https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/europe-day_en