Workers’ Day 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Eswatini
Eswatini observes Workers’ Day on 1 May each year. You may also hear some call the holiday May Day, Labour Day or International Workers’ Day.
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 May | Wed | Workers' Day |
| 2025 | 1 May | Thu | Workers' Day |
| 2026 | 1 May | Fri | Workers' Day |
| Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. | |||
Additionally, Eswatini’s government often observes a Child Labour Day, a day on which to raise awareness of the existence and risks of child labour in the country. Child Labour Day is observed on 12 June.
The origin of the holiday is the 4 May 1886 Haymarket Massacre during a labour protest in Chicago, USA. As the world industrialised in the mid to late 1800’s, the dismal working conditions in many factories led to a protest movement.
The Haymarket Massacre became a key moment in the movement, leading to the establishment of Labour Day, then called “International Workers Day”, to demand things like an 8-hour work day, safer working conditions, and increased pay.
Most workers get the day off on 1 May. Ways to observe Workers’ Day in Eswatini include taking part in labour union parades, visiting labour-related exhibits and seminars, and just spending time at home with family and friends.
Previous Years
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 May | Mon | Workers' Day |
| 2022 | 1 May | Sun | Workers' Day |
| 2 May | Mon | Workers' Day Holiday | |
| 2021 | 1 May | Sat | Workers' Day |
| 2020 | 1 May | Fri | Workers' Day |
| 2019 | 1 May | Wed | Workers' Day |
| 2018 | 1 May | Tue | Workers' Day |
| 2017 | 1 May | Mon | Workers' Day |