10 Quiz on International Labour Day with answers

Question 1

When is International Labour Day celebrated annually?
A) May 1
B) April 1
C) June 1
D) March 1

Correct Answer: A) May 1

Explanation: International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated on May 1 each year to honor workers and the labor movement. The date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, which was a pivotal event in the fight for workers' rights.

Overview: This question tests knowledge of the specific date of International Labour Day, which is universally recognized as May 1. The significance of this date stems from the historical labor struggles, particularly the Haymarket affair, where workers demanded an eight-hour workday. Understanding the date is fundamental to appreciating the global observance of workers’ contributions.

Question 2

What historical event is most closely associated with the origin of International Labour Day?
A) The French Revolution
B) The Haymarket Affair
C) The Russian Revolution
D) The Industrial Revolution

Correct Answer: B) The Haymarket Affair
Explanation: The Haymarket Affair in Chicago (1886) involved a workers' rally for an eight-hour workday that turned violent, leading to deaths and arrests. This event became a symbol of the labor movement, prompting the Second International to designate May 1 as Labour Day.

Overview: This question focuses on the historical roots of Labour Day, emphasizing the Haymarket Affair’s role in galvanizing the global labor movement. The event highlighted the sacrifices made by workers and led to the institutionalization of May 1 as a day to advocate for labor rights, making it a critical piece of labor history.

Question 3

Which organization played a key role in establishing May 1 as International Labour Day?
A) United Nations
B) International Labour Organization
C) Second International
D) World Trade Organization

Correct Answer: C) Second International
Explanation: The Second International, a federation of socialist parties and trade unions, declared May 1 as International Labour Day in 1889 to honor the Haymarket martyrs and promote workers’ rights globally. The International Labour Organization (ILO), while influential today, was not involved in the initial establishment.

Overview: This question highlights the role of the Second International in formalizing Labour Day, distinguishing it from other organizations like the ILO. The Second International’s decision was a landmark in uniting workers worldwide, and understanding its contribution provides insight into the political and social forces behind the labor movement.

Question 4

What is a common theme of International Labour Day celebrations?
A) Environmental conservation
B) Workers’ rights and fair wages
C) Technological advancements
D) Cultural diversity

Correct Answer: B) Workers’ rights and fair wages
Explanation: Labour Day is dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours. Events often include marches, rallies, and speeches focusing on labor issues, not unrelated themes like environmental conservation.

Overview: This question underscores the core purpose of Labour Day—championing workers’ rights. By focusing on fair wages and safe conditions, the day serves as a platform for addressing ongoing labor challenges, making it relevant to contemporary discussions about workplace equity and justice.

Question 5

In which country did the Haymarket Affair take place?
A) United Kingdom
B) France
C) United States
D) Germany

Correct Answer: C) United States
Explanation: The Haymarket Affair occurred in Chicago, United States, in 1886. It was a significant event in the American labor movement and had a global impact, inspiring the establishment of International Labour Day.

Overview: This question connects the geographical context of the Haymarket Affair to Labour Day’s origins. The United States’ role in this event is pivotal, as the incident’s repercussions extended beyond national borders, influencing global labor activism and the choice of May 1 as a day of solidarity.

Question 6

What is the primary focus of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on Labour Day 2025?
A) Promoting global tourism
B) Advancing decent work and social justice
C) Enhancing military cooperation
D) Supporting agricultural development

Correct Answer: B) Advancing decent work and social justice
Explanation: The ILO, a UN agency, focuses on promoting decent work, which includes fair wages, safe conditions, and social protections. On Labour Day 2025, the ILO is likely to emphasize these goals, aligning with its mission to advance social justice.

Overview: This question links the ILO’s modern role to Labour Day, highlighting its focus on decent work. As global labor challenges evolve, the ILO’s efforts to ensure fair and equitable workplaces remain central to Labour Day’s message, reflecting the day’s enduring relevance.

Question 7

Which of the following is a typical activity on International Labour Day?
A) Gift exchanges
B) Labor rallies and marches
C) Religious ceremonies
D) Sports tournaments

Correct Answer: B) Labor rallies and marches
Explanation: Labour Day is marked by rallies, marches, and demonstrations where workers and unions advocate for better working conditions and rights. These activities are distinct from gift exchanges or religious ceremonies, which are not typically associated with the day.

Overview: This question explores how Labour Day is observed, emphasizing rallies as a key expression of worker solidarity. These events provide a platform for raising awareness about labor issues, making them a defining feature of May 1 celebrations worldwide.

Question 8

Why is International Labour Day also called May Day?
A) It coincides with a spring festival
B) It was first celebrated in May
C) It honors a person named May
D) It is unrelated to the month of May

Correct Answer: B) It was first celebrated in May
Explanation: The term “May Day” refers to the date of May 1, when Labour Day was first commemorated following the Haymarket Affair. While May Day also refers to a separate spring festival in some cultures, Labour Day’s association with May 1 is due to its historical timing.

Overview: This question clarifies the nomenclature of Labour Day as May Day, tying it to the historical choice of May 1. Understanding this distinction helps differentiate the labor-focused May Day from other cultural celebrations, reinforcing its labor movement origins.

Question 9

Which of the following rights was a major demand during the Haymarket Affair?
A) Right to free education
B) Eight-hour workday
C) Universal healthcare
D) Voting rights for women

Correct Answer: B) Eight-hour workday
Explanation: The Haymarket Affair centered on workers’ demands for an eight-hour workday, a significant issue in the 1880s when long working hours were common. This demand became a cornerstone of the labor movement and Labour Day’s legacy.

Overview: This question delves into the specific demands of the Haymarket Affair, highlighting the eight-hour workday as a transformative labor goal. This focus shaped labor policies worldwide, making it a key element of Labour Day’s historical and ongoing significance.

Question 10

How do some countries observe International Labour Day 2025?
A) As a public holiday with closures
B) With mandatory work hours
C) As a religious festival
D) With school examinations

Correct Answer: A) As a public holiday with closures

Explanation: Many countries observe Labour Day as a public holiday, with businesses and schools closed, allowing workers to participate in rallies or rest. This contrasts with mandatory work or religious observances, which do not align with Labour Day’s purpose.

Overview: This question examines the global observance of Labour Day, noting its status as a public holiday in many nations. This recognition reflects the day’s importance in honoring workers and provides opportunities for advocacy, making it a widely respected occasion.