Labour Day in Bolivia

A national holiday under Bolivian law

Bolivia’s Law No. 274 declares 1 May “Día del Trabajo” each year, in recognition of Bolivian workers and their contribution to the country’s social life. It makes the day a national holiday, provides for a full day of rest with pay, and calls on the national government and autonomous territorial entities to hold commemorative activities.[1]

The Ministry of Labour lists 1 May among the national holidays when public and private activities are suspended. If the holiday falls on a non-working day, Law No. 274 says it should be compensated on the next working day.[1][2]

The date also connects Bolivia’s commemoration with the wider workers’ movement: the Bolivian news agency describes Labour Day as a day for social and labour demands and for remembering the Chicago martyrs associated with the campaign for an eight-hour workday.[4]

How people observe the day

Workers’ marches are a visible part of Labour Day in Bolivia. Reports by the national news agency describe Central Obrera Boliviana (COB)-led marches in La Paz, Cochabamba and Tarija, with workers carrying flags and raising social and labour demands. Reported participants have included miners, factory workers, and health and education workers.[3]

The marches and accompanying public tributes are not a single fixed programme for every city. The law assigns commemorative activities to the national government and autonomous territorial entities, while news reports show that events and routes vary by location and year.[1][3]

What to expect as a resident or visitor

Because the holiday suspends public and private activities nationwide, many workplaces and public services close for the day. Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1][2]

Employees who do work on a public holiday are entitled, under the Ministry’s labour-rights guide, to either compensatory rest on another day or a 100% surcharge on their basic pay, at the employer’s choice.[2]