Labour Day in Singapore
When is Labour Day in Singapore?
Labour Day in Singapore is on May 1, 2024. It falls on Wednesday.
How many days until Labour Day in Singapore?
There are 3 Days left until Labour Day in Singapore.
Is Labour Day a public holiday in Singapore?
Labour Day, also known as May Day, is a public holiday celebrated in Singapore on the first of May each year. It is held to honor and appreciate all workers from various working industries who made great contributions to the progress of the country. This day also marks the unity and solidarity of the workers and the nation’s labour movements.
Labour Day Origin
Labour Day started from the fight and struggle of workers to have better working conditions in the 1800s. Today, Besides Singapore, majority of the countries around the globe are celebrating Labour Day/Workers Day – though the dates may vary. These include the countries of United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, China, and many others.
What is Labour Day?
Labour Day is a day set aside to acknowledge the efforts of all laborers or workers who helped in strengthening the country’s economy. Although the person who proposed the first ever Labour Day is still a subject of debate until now, the idea of fighting for a holiday where workers are honored and appreciated goes back in the late 19th century.
Labour Day, a paid public holiday
Singapore’s celebration of Labour Day has come a long way. In the former years, only specific workers in the country are given paid holidays off on Labour Day. Those who are classified as industrial clerks under the Clerks Employment Ordinance 1957 and those workers who are defined as such under the Labour Ordinance 1955 were the only ones granted with a paid holiday off on this day. It was not until year 1960, after the People's Action Party (Singapore’s major conservative centre-right political party) came into power that Labour Day officially became a public holiday – where all workers from different working industries are finally given paid holidays off during its observance.
Labour Day Traditions in Singapore
As Labour Day is declared a public holiday in Singapore, government institutions, schools, and universities are expected to close. While there are some businesses which also close to give employees and staffs a time off work, most stores and shops remain open on this day, a bit different as compared to the country’s other public holidays. Some of these shops may even offer Labour Day discounts on their products/items, thus, many Singaporeans often spend this day by going on shopping.
Special events hosted by labour groups
On Labour Day, employee representatives, along with Singapore’s labour movement leaders (Labor and trade unions) typically arrange for events or conferences where issues concerning the laborers’ or workers’ rights are talked through. Government officials who can help address such issues are oftentimes invited to these events. These events are usually scheduled to occur in the morning and are also covered on TV, radio, and print media.
Visiting the Istana Open House
Labour Day is one of the five public holidays in Singapore where the Istana Building, the official residence and office of the President of Singapore, is opened to the public. Fun and family-friendly activities and performances are usually prepared for the enjoyment of the public. Many Singaporeans traditionally spend Labour Day by visiting the Istana Open House. Most of the visitors are even seen enjoying picnics on the Presidential grounds.
Labour Day, a Family Day
There is a drastic change when it comes to how the Singaporeans celebrate Labour Day. In the olden days, this day is typically marked with rallies held in different parts of the country. However, at present, Labour Day is now treated as a Family Day where the workers get to spend quality time with their loved ones. Events like May Day Family Fiesta are often arranged for the people to enjoy. Some people may also celebrate this day by having get-togethers with their friends or colleagues. Additionally, beaches and public parks are also popular destinations for many families on Labour Day. In fact, Singapore’s Jurong Lake Gardens is currently one of the most visited places during the holiday.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 01 | Wednesday | Labour Day |
| 2025 | May 01 | Thursday | Labour Day |
| 2026 | May 01 | Friday | Labour Day |
| 2027 | May 01 | Saturday | Labour Day |
| 2028 | May 01 | Monday | Labour Day |
| 2029 | May 01 | Tuesday | Labour Day |
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Labour Day | May 01, 2024 |
| Hari Raya Haji | June 16, 2024 |
| National Day | August 09, 2024 |
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