International Workers’ Day, or Labour Day, is an occasion keenly celebrated by thousands across Denmark, a country known for its social democratic traditions. But that doesn’t mean you get the day off.

Labour Day is not a public holiday in Denmark like in other countries with strong social democratic labour models, such as Sweden, Norway, France and Germany.

This discrepancy is best explained in reference to the overenskomst or collective bargaining system, the Danish labour model on which working terms are negotiated and agreed between trade unions and employers’ confederations over many aspects of Denmark’s labour market, from wages to paid leave.

Historically, many industries, particularly in the public sector, have secured a day off for their workers through their collective bargaining agreements, meaning it was never necessary for the day to be made a public holiday via legislation.

Many workers in Denmark therefore do have the right to a half or full day off on May 1st, provided by the collective bargaining system.

So while some companies and much of the public sector give staff the day off, you’re not guaranteed it by law.

READ ALSO: What is a Danish collective bargaining agreement?

While May 1st is not a paid day off for everyone, Danes generally view it with just as much importance as their neighbours do. 

You could be forgiven for thinking that May 1st is a national day off if, for example, you pass by Fælledparken in Copenhagen on Labour Day. You’ll see huge gatherings of workers carrying banners, people gathering to eat and drink, and major speeches by both union leaders and politicians.

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Just as in other parts of the world, the international tradition took hold in the Nordic nation in 1890, not long after workers around the world chose the first day of May to campaign for and celebrate the introduction of the eight-hour working day.

At the time, Denmark’s union movement had attended large congresses in France to celebrate the centenary of the French Revolution, giving rise to the Danish worker’s day movement.

International Workers’ Day was celebrated for the first time in 1890 in Fælledparken, which remains the quintessential location for speeches by both union leaders and politicians to this day.

Danish May 1st traditions

Workers in towns and cities all over the country can attend local Labour Day rallies, usually organised by trade unions.

The day is synonymous with speeches, and the very first was held by Jens Jensen, chairman of Copenhagen’s unions at the end of the 19th century. The demand for an eight-hour working day continued as the main theme of Labour Day well into the 20th century.

Later, politicians, particularly on the left-wing or “red” side of the Danish political spectrum, began to use the occasion to appeal to workers. 

Modern May 1st is a distinctively left-wing occasion and political leaders can sometimes face harsh backlash from crowds who disagree with their policies, despite the fact they are from parties on the left.

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In 2013, for example, then-prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt was whistled and booed by an angry crowd in Aarhus amid criticism of what at the time was perceived to be the increasingly liberal policies of her Social Democrat-led government.

Occasionally, trade unions disinvite political leaders from the left wing parties to speak at their May 1st events if they are dissatisfied with their policies. This happened to current Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen when she was in opposition as leader of the Social Democrats in 2018.

Union leaders also give speeches, aimed at promoting solidarity within workers’ movements and campaign for better working conditions. New and surprising announcements from union leaders are not a common feature of May 1st.

Singing in chorus, an activity that Danes do not need much encouragement to partake in, is closely associated with Labour Day. Anthems at Fælledparken have become less common over the years but local unions still have them.

Old socialist songs like The International and Danish favourites such as Sådan er Kapitalismen or Når jeg ser et rødt flag smælde (‘When I See a Red Flag’) are usually the most popular choices.

Red banners, meanwhile, mark out political messages as well as union and trade affiliations on Danish Labour Day gatherings.

The occasion is also seen as an opportunity to enjoy a day off – many go to parks with picnics, cans of beer and a thermos full of coffee.

Denmark’s traditions of social solidarity and strong labour unions have helped International Worker’s Day prevail as an event that is still going strong in modern, globalised times. Even if not everyone gets the day off.