International Labour Day observed globally on May 1, 2026

Exam-focused facts from the 4 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

International Labour Day (also known as May Day) is observed globally on May 1, 2026.
Labour Day originated in the United States in the 1880s as a protest for an eight-hour workday.
The United States does not observe May 1 as a public holiday for Labour Day.
The European Trade Union Confederation, which represents 93 trade union organisations in 41 European countries, called for solidarity and protection of workers' rights.
The International Trade Union Confederation reported that at least four CEOs of major corporations each earned over $100 million in pay and bonuses last year.