Addis Ababa, May 1, 2026 – Ethiopia observes International Workers' Day annually on May 23. The day honors workers' sacrifices and rights.
On May 1 (May 23 in Ethiopia), the world celebrates International Workers' Day. This day honors the sacrifices of millions of workers, not merely a rest period.
Its history began in 1886 in Chicago, USA, where workers demanding an end to 16-hour days protested with the slogan '8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, 8 hours for ourselves.' From then, it has been marked globally each year.
Ethiopia has observed it for 51 years, the 137th worldwide. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Dr.) stated, 'Ethiopia is built not just by our forefathers' blood but also by our labor.' The nation develops through workers in industry, technology, agriculture, and services.
Work means creation and innovation beyond mere labor. 'Honoring workers' rights is the foundation for industrial peace and productivity,' serves as the day's guiding principle.
