MAY 1 is International Workers’ Day, celebrated across the globe. But why is this day a public holiday? Its origins date back to 1 May 1886, when a massive strike erupted in downtown Chicago. Workers called for better conditions and the implementation of an eight-hour workday. Tragically, the strike escalated into violent conflict, resulting in casualties among both the police and the public.
This tragedy galvanised workers worldwide to fight for fair treatment. On 14 July 1889, the international labour movement organisation, the Second International, passed the ‘May Day Resolution’, designating May 1 as International Workers’ Day—both to commemorate the tragedy and to call for global attention to labour rights.
On 1 May 1955, Venerable Pope Pius XII addressed the Christian Association of Italian Workers and proposed St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, as the Patron Saint of Workers [cf. Acta Apostolicae Sedis 47, 1955, 406]. This emphasised that work is both sacred and dignified. St. Joseph was a carpenter who laboured tirelessly to provide for Mary and Jesus, sanctifying daily toil through his faithfulness.
The Church has always prioritised the working class, advocating for fair wages, dignified working environments, and social justice. In Hong Kong, the Diocesan Commission for Labour Affairs shapes its direction and projects in response to social developments and the needs of workers. The committee and its affiliated labour and pastoral centres have spared no effort in policy advocacy and in providing regional support services for many years, standing alongside grassroots workers and assisting them in overcoming various challenges in their work and daily lives. As the commission celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on past achievements and prepare for future challenges.
On 1 May 2026, the Hong Kong government implemented a significant labour measure, raising the statutory minimum wage from HK$42.1 to HK$43.1 per hour. Furthermore, since January 16, the government has implemented the 4-6-8 rule for calculating continuous contracts. Under this rule, employees who work at least 18 hours a week or a total of 68 hours over four weeks are entitled to statutory holiday pay and paid annual leave, with employment benefits such as paid sick leave also included. While some view these changes as a broader safety net for worker welfare, others have highlighted a ‘side effect’: some employers, seeking to reduce costs, have significantly cut the hours of part-time staff. This has resulted in underemployment and financial strain for those who rely on flexible work.
According to government labour statistics, from January to March this year, the number of unemployed rose from 135,000 to 137,000, while the number of underemployed fell from 63,000 to 60,000. With many Hong Kong residents now preferring to travel north to mainland China for shopping and leisure on weekends, the local economy has inevitably felt the impact. In this chain reaction, companies often resort to cutting staff or reducing hours to save costs—and the working class is always the first to feel the sting.
As workers struggle for survival, St. Joseph the Worker reminds us not to forget our brothers and sisters. It is a call for the Church to remain steadfast in defending workers’ rights and striving for their well-being. SE
