A day for workers Monday, 1 May 2023

 International Workers' Day, also known as Labor Day, is celebrated on May 1st every year in many countries around the world. The holiday recognizes the contributions and achievements of workers and the labor movement.

The holiday originated in the late 19th century as a commemoration of the Hay market affair in Chicago, where workers were protesting for an eight-hour workday. The protest turned violent, and several people, including police officers, were killed. In response, labor organizations around the world declared May 1st as a day to remember and honor the sacrifices of workers who fought for better working conditions and fair treatment.

Today, International Workers' Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. In some countries, it is a public holiday, and workers may take the day off or participate in parades and demonstrations. In other countries, workers may organize rallies or participate in other events to promote workers' rights and advocate for better working conditions.

Overall, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of workers and the labor movement in shaping the modern world and advancing social justice.

May Day

 

HOLIDAY

Next May Day Monday, 1 May 2023

May Day is an international holiday celebrated on May 1. In the US and many other countries May Day has a close connection to Labor day and International Worker's Day. Some European countries such as the UK associate May Day more with paganism and the ancient celebration of Beltane, a Gaelic festival.

A day for workers

Since the 1890s Mayday has been recognized as a day for workers and as a day of action and campaigning. In his Pamphlet, The History of May Day Alexander Trachtenberg (socialist publisher and writer) wrote:

[...]May First was set aside as a day upon which the workers of the world, organized in their political parties and trade unions, were to fight for the important political demand: the 8-hour day.

During the nineteenth century, American workers who were unhappy with long hours and dangerous conditions started to gather in unions such as the National Labor Union and The Knights of Labor. Word spread and the demand for an eight-hour working day grew across the globe.