International Workers' Day is a significant celebration of labour and workers' rights. Observed on 1 May each year, it traces its origins back to the labour movement in the late 19th century. The day has evolved into a global occasion to reflect on the progress of workers' rights and to call attention to ongoing struggles related to fair working conditions, wages, and labour protections.

The historical roots of May Day are closely tied to the fight for better working conditions. In the United States, the struggle for an eight-hour workday gained momentum in the late 1800s, especially following the infamous Haymarket affair of 1886. After a peaceful rally in support of labour rights turned violent when a bomb exploded during a strike in Chicago, the struggle for labour rights became internationally recognised. In the aftermath, the workers' movement adopted 1 May as a symbol of labour solidarity.

To assess the relevance of May Day today, we must first consider the state of workers' rights and the challenges they face in contemporary society.

One of the most significant changes in the global economy in the past few decades has been the rise of globalisation. With the proliferation of multinational corporations, the outsourcing of labour to countries with cheaper wages, and the rise of automation, many workers face precarious and uncertain job prospects. While some workers benefit from globalisation, particularly in emerging markets where labour laws are often less stringent many others face exploitation, dangerous working conditions, and job insecurity.

Technological advances, particularly in mechanisation and artificial intelligence, are reshaping the labour landscape in ways that were not imaginable a century ago. Many jobs that were once performed by humans are being replaced by machines, and this trend is expected to accelerate in the coming decades. While automation can improve productivity, it also raises important questions about job displacement, the dehumanisation of labour, and the future of work itself.

In this new economy, workers' rights may need to be redefined. For example, the concept of job security is shifting as companies increasingly rely on temporary and contract-based labour.

The evolving nature of work underscores the continued relevance of May Day, as it represents an opportunity to confront the future of labour and ensure that workers' rights remain central to the conversation about economic progress.

May Day has not only been a day of labour solidarity but also a rallying point for broader political and social movements. In many countries, workers' struggles are intertwined with movements for political freedom, environmental justice, gender equality, and the fight against racial discrimination. In nations with oppressive regimes, May Day has often been used as a platform to demand political reform and greater democracy.

In light of these ongoing challenges, the question arises: should May Day continue to be celebrated today? The answer is, perhaps, more relevant than ever.

May Day offers a vital space for workers to advocate for the changes that are still needed. While many of the issues workers faced in the 19th and early 20th centuries have evolved or been addressed, new issues have emerged that require continued activism.

May Day also reminds society that the prosperity of any nation is built on the labour of its people, and that this labour should be valued and protected.