KATHMANDU, MAY 1

Nepal is marking the 136th International Workers' Day or May Day today with various events organized by labour unions and workers' associations across the country.

Observed globally on May 1, the day commemorates the historic 1886 labour movement in Chicago, where workers demanded an eight-hour workday. The movement turned violent at Haymarket Square, leading to the deaths of several workers but eventually succeeded in establishing labour rights.

In 1889, a global assembly of labour leaders in Paris declared May 1 as International Workers' Day.

In Nepal, the day has been officially observed since the success of the Biratnagar labour movement in 2003 BS and gained national recognition following the political changes of 2007 BS. It became a public holiday after the 1990 democratic movement.

Nepal's first May Day celebration was held in 2019 BS by the Nepal Mazdoor Sangh, marking the start of organized labour movement celebrations in the country. Labour organizations across Nepal continue to use the occasion to press for workers' rights and policy reforms.