Labour Day Dates for 2027 and 2028

📅 The Ministry of Manpower’s official 2027 public holiday announcement confirms that Labour Day falls on Saturday, 1 May 2027.

For all dates in one place, see our Singapore public holidays 2027 calendar and Singapore public holidays 2028 calendar.

Previous Labour Day Dates

You can compare previous dates on our Singapore public holidays 2026 calendar.

Is Labour Day a Public Holiday in Singapore?

Yes. Labour Day, also known as May Day, is one of Singapore’s 11 gazetted public holidays. Employees covered by the Employment Act are generally entitled to paid public holidays, subject to MOM’s eligibility rules.

Labour Day is observed every year on 1 May. It recognises the contribution of workers across Singapore and is linked to the wider international May Day and workers’ movement.

Labour Day 2027 Falls on Saturday: Do You Get Monday Off?

No, Monday, 3 May 2027 is not automatically a public holiday simply because Labour Day falls on Saturday.

For a typical five-day work week, MOM treats Saturday as a non-working day and Sunday as a rest day. If Labour Day falls on the non-working Saturday, an eligible employee should receive either:

• another day off; or
• one extra day’s salary in lieu at the gross rate of pay.

The replacement day does not have to be the following Monday unless the employer chooses that arrangement. This is different from a public holiday falling on a Sunday rest day, where the next working day becomes a paid public holiday.

💼 Your contract, roster and work pattern matter. Employees not covered by the Employment Act should check their employment contract or speak with their HR team.

What If You Work on Labour Day?

If you are required to work on Labour Day, your entitlement depends on whether the day is normally a working day, non-working day or rest day under your work arrangement.

For employees who work a normal Monday-to-Friday schedule, Labour Day 2027 falls on their non-working Saturday. MOM explains that the employee should receive either another day off or one extra day’s salary at the gross rate for the public holiday. Overtime pay may also apply for extra hours worked on Saturday.

For work done on a public holiday, employers and employees may sometimes mutually agree on a substitute public holiday or time off in lieu. The correct arrangement depends on Employment Act coverage, job role and the agreed working hours.

Read the current rules directly in the MOM guide to public holiday entitlement and pay. This page is general information, not personal employment or legal advice.

Does Labour Day 2027 Create a Long Weekend?

Not automatically for everyone. Because Labour Day 2027 falls on Saturday, a standard five-day employee may receive a day off or salary in lieu rather than a fixed Monday holiday.

If your employer grants the day off on Friday, 30 April or Monday, 3 May, you could have a three-day weekend. If you receive salary in lieu instead, there may be no extra day away from work.

Before making travel plans, confirm your company’s off-in-lieu policy. You can also check the Singapore school holidays if you are planning around children’s term dates.

What Does Labour Day Mean in Singapore?

Labour Day is a day to recognise workers, their skills and their contribution to Singapore’s economy and community. It is commonly called May Day and is associated with worker solidarity, fair employment and the long campaign for better working conditions.

Internationally, 1 May is connected with the movement for an eight-hour working day. In Singapore, Labour Day became a public holiday in 1960. Its local meaning is closely connected to the country’s labour movement and tripartite relationship among workers, employers and the Government.

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) marks May Day with worker-focused programmes and messages. Specific events, member offers and venues can change each year, so check NTUC’s latest May Day updates closer to the date instead of relying on old event listings.

How Is Labour Day Observed in Singapore?

There is no single way to spend Labour Day. Some people use the public holiday for family time, shopping, dining, short trips or rest. Worker-recognition activities, union programmes and May Day messages may also be held around this period.

Many businesses in Singapore continue operating on Labour Day, especially malls, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, attractions and transport services. Government offices, schools and some bank branches may be closed or use public-holiday arrangements.

🛍️ Do not assume every business follows the same schedule. Check the official website or social channels of the bank, clinic, attraction, restaurant or shop before travelling.

Does Public Transport Run on Labour Day?

Yes. MRT trains and public buses generally operate on Labour Day.

However, frequency, first and last train times, engineering works and special-event arrangements can change. Check the latest notice from the relevant operator before starting your journey, especially if you are travelling early, late or across the border.

Labour Day Travel and Leave Planning Tips

A Saturday Labour Day can still be useful for planning, but it needs more care than a Friday or Monday public holiday.

• Ask HR early whether your company gives an off-in-lieu day or salary in lieu.
• Do not book a “long weekend” until the replacement arrangement is confirmed.
• If you are taking annual leave, compare the date with nearby May holidays such as Hari Raya Haji and Vesak Day.
• Book hotels, flights and popular family activities early if your employer confirms a weekday off.
• Check business and transport schedules directly, particularly for public-holiday weekend travel.

For another confirmed Friday-to-Sunday break, see our Good Friday in Singapore guide.

Frequently Asked Questions