Worker's Day

Worker's Day History

Worker's Day honours workers and their contributions to society. The day aims to promote and protect the rights of workers, while also drawing attention to important issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organise and bargain collectively. This observance serves as an opportunity for labour unions, workers, and their supporters to come together and voice their concerns, as well as celebrate the progress made in the workers' rights movement.

In South Africa, Worker's Day has a significant history linked to the struggle for the rights of the working class against abusive labour practices. Before the dawn of democracy, workers in the country faced exploitation, discrimination, and were denied basic rights. This day serves as a reminder of the hard-won victories and the ongoing efforts to ensure dignified working conditions for all South Africans. The day holds particular importance in South Africa due to the persistent economic inequalities, high unemployment rates, and labour-related challenges faced by its citizens.

To observe Worker's Day in South Africa, various events and activities are organised throughout the country. These often include marches, demonstrations, and public gatherings to promote workers' rights, as well as educational events, seminars, and workshops for workers and unions focused on labour issues. Workers, unions, and civil society organisations also use this day to engage with the government on important labour-related policies and legislation. Worker's Day is celebrated on the 1st of May each year, making it a public holiday for workers to enjoy a well-deserved break and to reflect on the importance of their contributions to the nation's development.

Worker's Day Facts

• Apartheid was a governing system in South Africa from 1948-1994 that was based on segregation and racial discrimination.
• South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. At the end of 2022, approximately 7.8 million people reported being unemployed.
• Pregnant workers are entitled to 4 months of maternity leave in South Africa. It is not required that employers pay workers during this leave period.
• In South Africa, unskilled labour accounts for about 29% of all labour in the country.
• Labour was the first price, the original purchase - Money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labour, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased. - Adam Smith, Scottish Philosopher
• Worker's Day serves as an occasion to address current labor issues, such as unemployment, inequality, and precarious working conditions, and to demand legislative changes and social reforms.

In the News and Trending for Worker's Day

Worker's Day Top Things to Do

• Enjoy the long weekend during the South African autumn season. Get out and take advantage of the weather by having a braai with your friends and family.
• Choose to patronize local businesses, especially those owned and operated by workers or small entrepreneurs, to support the local economy and show solidarity with workers.
• Watch a documentary about the lack of workers' rights in other countries. Some of our favourites: Santa's Workshop, Rednecks and Culchies and Apple's Broken Promises.
• Complete a do-it-yourself project. As a day off, you do not have to work for your pay but you can take advantage of the day to do work for yourself, your family, friends or home. Try building something, cleaning up or painting a room.
• Read a popular book to help shape your perspective of workers' rights. Our favourites include: Gender, Labour and Power in the Global Apparel Industry, Fugitive Denim, Making Sweatshops and The Power to Choose.