Labour Day in Albania
Albania observes Labour Day, also called International Workers’ Day, as an official public holiday on 1 May. The Labour Code provides paid leave on public holidays and sets a general rule against working, subject to exceptions.[1][2]
A public holiday with legal protections
The Labour Code says that work is generally prohibited on official public holidays and that employees are entitled to pay for those days. Exceptions may be set by a Council of Ministers decision or a collective agreement; if an employee works on a public holiday that falls on a working day, the Code provides additional compensation and paid rest.[1]
The Code also addresses substitute rest: when a public holiday falls on the weekly rest day, Article 86 says the rest is moved to Monday. Article 87 refers to the next working day when describing holiday work and compensation. The calendar rule shown for this page likewise moves a Sunday holiday to Monday.[1]
How the holiday became official
Albania’s Institute for the Study of the Crimes and Consequences of Communism records that a Council of Ministers decision of 26 April 1945 designated 1 May an official holiday for the Albanian people. The institute says the holiday received legal status, alongside other official holidays, under Law No. 7651 on 21 December 1992.[2]
International Workers’ Day has a wider labour-movement history: the International Labour Organization traces 1 May to workers’ struggles over daily working hours in the 1880s. In Albania, the People’s Advocate has described the day as an occasion to focus on workplace safety, dignity, equal rights and workers’ participation in decisions.[3][4]
The day in public life
The official history and legal status establish the holiday’s place in Albania, while the People’s Advocate’s message highlights themes that remain relevant to workers: safe conditions, respect and opportunities to participate in workplace decisions. The sources reviewed for this article do not establish a single nationwide custom, food tradition or annual ceremony, so these are not presented as standard ways of observing the day.[2][4]
Planning around Labour Day
The Bank of Albania lists International Workers’ Day among its official public holidays and says the bank is closed on listed holidays. The Labour Code’s general rule against holiday work has exceptions, so the law does not establish that every service shuts for the day.[1][5]
If you need a bank, public office, shop or transport service, check its own holiday hours before travelling. The official bank calendar confirms the Bank of Albania’s schedule; it does not set opening times for private businesses or transport operators.[5]
Labour Day in Albania: frequently asked questions
When is Labour Day in Albania?
It is observed on 1 May. Albania’s official holiday calendar lists International Workers’ Day on that date.[5]
Is it a paid day off?
The Labour Code entitles employees to pay on official public holidays and generally prohibits work on those days. Exceptions may be set by government decision or collective agreement.[1]
What happens if it falls on a weekly rest day?
Article 86 of the Labour Code says the rest is moved to Monday when an official holiday falls on the weekly rest day. The Code also addresses the next working day in its provisions on holiday work.[1]
Are banks, shops and transport open?
The Bank of Albania lists its own holiday closure, but that calendar does not determine private shop or transport schedules. Check the specific provider before travelling.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Albania:
- Kodi i Punës i Republikës së Shqipërisë- Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare
- Me vendim nr. 9, 26 prill 1945, Këshilli i Ministrave caktoi 1 Majin si “festë zyrtare për gjithë popullin Shqiptar,”…- Instituti i Studimeve për Krimet dhe Pasojat e Komunizmit
- May Day: The International Day of Labour: Day of labour and solidarity- International Labour Organization
- Avokatja E Popullit Shënjon Ditën E Punëtorëve- Avokati i Popullit
- 2026 Official Bank Holiday Schedule- Bank of Albania