Labour Day in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau observes Labour Day on 1 May as the International Workers’ Day and a compulsory national public holiday. The law requires work to cease in both public and private sectors, except where the nature of the work prevents interruption.[1]
A fixed date and legal status
Decree No. 1/2023 names 1 May “International Workers’ Day” and includes it among Guinea-Bissau’s compulsory national holidays. It calls for a complete cessation of work in public and private sectors, with an exception for activities that cannot be interrupted.[1]
No substitute day is set when 1 May falls on a weekend, and workers’ pay arrangements are not specified. Work may continue where it cannot be stopped.[1]
What the day means to workers
The holiday’s official name connects the observance in Guinea-Bissau to the wider International Workers’ Day. In a May Day message, Guinea-Bissau’s General Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CGSI) described the date as a tribute to workers in the country and worldwide, and called for reflection on workers’ conditions and rights.[1][2]
The CGSI message linked May Day’s international history to workers in Chicago seeking an eight-hour working day. It also framed the date as a time to consider fair wages, working conditions, social protection and dialogue between workers, unions and government.[2]
How observances have varied
The CGSI statement recalled that earlier May Day observances in Guinea-Bissau had included processions. The same message criticized celebrations it characterized as picnics and food and drink, arguing that the day should also make room for discussion of workers’ achievements and challenges.[2]
Check local information for details of marches, rallies, foods, family customs or regional differences.
Planning around the holiday
The legal rule affects work across both public and private sectors, subject to the exception for activities that cannot be interrupted.[1] Check with individual banks, shops, schools or transport providers about their arrangements.
For visitors and residents, 1 May is a national non-working holiday. Check directly with a bank, shop, employer or transport provider if you need to know whether a specific service will be available.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Labour Day in Guinea-Bissau?
It is observed on 1 May, the date named in the national holiday decree as International Workers’ Day.[1]
Is Labour Day a public holiday?
Yes. Decree No. 1/2023 lists it as a compulsory national holiday.[1]
Does the holiday mean everyone has the day off?
The decree calls for work to cease in the public and private sectors, except for activities that cannot be interrupted. It does not specify pay arrangements.[1]
Are banks, shops and public transport open?
The decree does not list opening hours or transport schedules. Check with the specific provider for its Labour Day arrangements.[1]
Is there a substitute day if 1 May falls on a weekend?
The decree names 1 May but does not set out a substitute-day rule.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Guinea-Bissau:
- Decreto n.º 1/2023 — Feriados Nacionais Obrigatórios- República da Guiné-Bissau, Boletim Oficial
- Mensagem alusiva à comemoração do 122º aniversário do 1º de Maio – Dia Internacional dos Trabalhadores- Confederação Geral dos Sindicatos Independentes da Guiné-Bissau (CGSI)