Malaysia Labour Day

Malaysia Labour Day is a celebration of the economic and social achievements of workers, including the establishment of the 8-hour day in many countries.

Also called May Day, it is a celebration of the start of spring. In Malaysia, Labour Day is celebrated on May 1 annually.

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The History of Labour Day

Perhaps many would not know that the Labour Day public holiday is the result of a bloody history of labour movements in the 19th century that paved the way for the 8-hour workdays and rest days that we enjoy today.

It all began with the 8-hour day movement in the late 1800s that advocated for 8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest and 8 hours for recreation, with no loss of pay.

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At the time, the Industrial Revolution and demands of production in the western world dramatically changed the working conditions. The working day was unregulated and would stretch from 10 to 16 hours, typically 6 or 7 days a week and child labour was common.

Thousands of men, women and children were dying every year from poor working conditions and long hours.

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As a result, labour unions gained popularity and workers began organizing strikes and rallied to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

Today, it has more to do with protecting the common interest of workers.

 

What does labour and workforce mean?

Labour is defined as physical work whereas workforce means the people engaged in or available for work, either in an industry or in a particular area or organization.

Workforce is important to an organization and a country because the objective is to get the right number of people, the right workers in the right place doing the right tasks. With the correct technology, processes and procedures, the workforce can be optimized for optimal performance.

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Since May 1 is a gazetted holiday, retail stores at shopping malls will launch Labour Day sales as the general public takes the opportunity to go shopping while others spend the day to just kick back and relax or simply visit friends and catch up.

FaveKad wishes all workers a Happy Labour Day and we have a special selection of ecards just for you to wish the same to your colleagues and friends.