Labour Day in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s Labour Day, named Workers’ Day in the public-holidays law, falls on 1 May. It is a public holiday, and employment law sets out when employees are entitled to time off and pay.[1][2]
Date and legal status
The Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act lists Worker’s Day as 1 May. The Act also says that when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday. It does not provide the same automatic Monday observance when a holiday falls on Saturday, so a Saturday Labour Day does not by itself create a substitute day.[1]
Under the Labour Act, an employee must be granted leave during a public holiday and receive their current remuneration if the day falls when they would otherwise have worked. If an employee agrees to work that day, the Act requires pay of at least twice their current remuneration for the day.[2]
Meaning and observance
A Zimbabwe Public Service Commission publication records a joint Workers’ Day commemoration organised with public-service workers’ representatives. It describes the event as recognising workers’ importance to national development, economic growth and service delivery.[3]
The law names the holiday Worker’s Day, and a recorded commission event recognises workers’ contribution to national development, economic growth and service delivery.[1][3]
What to expect on the day
The President may prohibit a business, class of business or specified institution or premises from operating or opening on particular days.[1] Check with the shop or office before visiting.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe lists its RTGS operating service as closed on public holidays.[4] Check with the provider for the hours of a commercial bank branch or the availability of a banking channel.
Frequently asked questions
When is Labour Day in Zimbabwe?
It is observed on 1 May. The law calls it Worker’s Day and lists it as a public holiday.[1]
Do employees get the day off with pay?
An employee who would otherwise have worked is entitled to leave and current remuneration for the public holiday. If the employee agrees to work, the Labour Act requires at least twice their current remuneration for that day.[2]
Is the Monday after Labour Day automatically a holiday if 1 May falls on Saturday?
No. The Act provides for the following Monday when a public holiday falls on Sunday; it does not state that the same rule applies when the holiday falls on Saturday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Zimbabwe:
- Public Holidays and Prohibition of Business Act (Chapter 10:21)- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII)
- Labour Act (Chapter 28:01)- Zimbabwe Legal Information Institute (ZimLII)
- The Public Service Sentinel, First Quarter 2026- Public Service Commission of Zimbabwe
- HOME- Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe