As the world prepares to celebrate Labor Day, a day to recognize workers and their contributions to society, most countries find it enough to give workers a day off. So let's dedicate one day to labor legislation, workers' rights and the achievements of the working class. However, Slovenia seems to be unique in mocking this short 24-hour break by celebrating Labor Day with not one, but two days off. And the only one in the world.
So, we reluctantly rebuke countries that give workers only one day off on May Day. There are a total of 105 of these countries. These countries include China, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Russia and Spain. These countries, along with many others, observe May Day as a holiday when workers can use the day off to participate in various parties, May Day vigils and demonstrations.
Which countries celebrate May 1 - the first of May - Labor Day - as a day off - or a national holiday?!
Argentina; Austria; Bangladesh; Belarus; Belgium; Bolivia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Brazil; Bulgaria; Cambodia; Cameroon; Chile; China; Colombia; Costa Rica; Croatia; Cuba; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Estonia; Ethiopia; Finland; France; Georgia; Germany; Greece; Guatemala; Haiti; Honduras; Hong Kong; Hungary; Iceland; India; Indonesia; Iraq; Ireland; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kyrgyzstan; Latvia; Lebanon; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Macau; Macedonia; Madagascar; Malaysia; Malta; Mauritius; Mexico; Moldova; Montenegro; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Nepal; The Netherlands; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Nigeria; North Korea; Norway; Pakistan; Panama; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; South Africa; South Korea; Spain; Sri Lanka; Sweden; Switzerland; Syria; Taiwan; Tajikistan; Tanzania; Thailand; Trinidad and Tobago; Tunisia; Turkey; Uganda; Ukraine; Uruguay; Venezuela; Vietnam; Zambia; Zimbabwe
However, while the rest of the world (105 countries out of 195 countries) content with one day to celebrate work, Slovenia goes over the edge (or should we say, devotes an extra day to it) by celebrating May 1st as May 2nd as national holidays. This makes Slovenia an exception, as it gives its workers twice as much time to celebrate their achievements and defend workers' rights.
Why is Slovenia the only one in the world - May Day - to have a Labor Day - but not two?
You may be wondering what makes Slovenia so special that it needs two whole days to celebrate Labor Day. The reason lies in the country's history and strong labor movement. Since the early 20th century, Labor Day has been an important event for workers in Slovenia. When the country gained independence in 1991, the tradition of the double holiday continued as a remnant of the former system. Thus, part of the celebration also refers to part of the celebrations from the past history of Yugoslavia, of which Slovenia was also a part. In the communist dictatorship, the figure of the worker manifested itself in the center of ideology. The worker was the most important and in the first place. Slovenia is not the only one. Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina - the former republics of the same country - Yugoslavia - celebrate May 2 as a public holiday.
What does an extra day off mean for the economy?!
Let's also focus on the impact of one day of national holiday on GDP of the country. It is estimated that the holiday can lead to a 0.4% to 0.5% reduction in annual GDP, as it takes into account lost productivity and output during the day. At the same time, other countries operate normally on this day, which prevents certain financial and other transactions that are not possible on working days off. However, this impact may be offset by slightly higher spending on leisure and tourism during the holiday. This means that people spend more. Which is basically the greatest irony of Labor Day. Someone is working anyway.
Slovenian "extreme" double first maj - Labor Day is not only a tribute to their past struggles, but also a call to the future of workers' rights.
How many days off does Slovenia have compared to other countries in the world?!
When comparing the number of public holidays around the world, the total number of working days off is 18, which is significantly lower than countries such as Cambodia (28), Sri Lanka (25) and India (21). However, it should be noted that Slovenia's double Labor Day holiday is unique, as most other countries celebrate work with only one day off.
While most countries around the world are content with allocating one day off to celebrate Labor Day, Slovenia stands out with its double holiday. This unique tradition demonstrates the country's historic commitment to workers' rights.
Why don't they celebrate May 1 - Labor Day in the United States?!
The United States does celebrate a holiday dedicated to workers, but it is called Labor Day, not International Workers' Day (first of May). Labor Day is celebrated every year on the first Monday in September and is a national holiday, which means that most workers have a day off.
The beginnings of Labor Day date back to the late 19th century, when labor unions began organizing parades and demonstrations to celebrate the achievements of the American working class. The holiday was established at the state level before being recognized as a federal holiday in 1894.
The United States does not celebrate International Labor Day on May 1, partly because of its association with socialism and communism, which the US government disliked during the Cold War. Instead, the US decided to create its own Labor Day, a Labor Day that has a more moderate and less politically charged history.
