Labor Day

⚠️ Pyn note to HR: Update this message to reflect any available events or ERGs.

Labor Day in China honors workers and their contributions to the country’s ongoing development, with the day considered important for promoting patriotism and national unity. China’s Labor Day dates back to 1918, when Chinese communists began spreading the idea of observing the day with the slogan of “Labor is sacred”—though it wasn’t until 1920 that China honored the first Labor Day with unofficial demonstrations.

This encouraged activists to establish unions, organize workers, and begin demonstrating for better workers’ rights, eventually resulting in the formal declaration and official approval of May 1 as Labor Day in 1949—only a month after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Then, in 1999, Labor Day became part of a Golden Week (an extended time off for workers that typically leads to an economic boom), which made it a seven-day holiday—though this ended in 2008, with Labor Day changed to a three-day break (beginning on May 1).

In China, Labor Day is celebrated by enjoying a day of leisure, traveling, and shopping—with many businesses offering discounted products. People may also visit local attractions, get together with friends, or sing and dance in the streets.

How to prepare

Our offices will be closed for Labour Day from [insert date] to [insert date]. Please turn on your out of office message.

How we’re celebrating our team for Labor Day

In honor of Labor Day, we want to honor and acknowledge the contributions of our amazing team. Please join us for our Labor Day events (celebrating YOU!), including:

• [Insert event]