International Workers’ Day (May Day or Labor Day)

International Workers’ Day: A Celebration of Labor Rights

The struggle for an eight-hour workday, dividing time equally between work, leisure, and rest, gave rise to International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day or Labor Day. This significant commemoration traces its origins to the tragic event known as the Haymarket Massacre, which occurred in Chicago in 1886 when police opened fire on striking workers demanding the implementation of an eight-hour workday. The violence resulted in the loss of many lives among the workers.

The inaugural congress of the Second International, an organization representing socialist and labor parties, held in Paris on July 14, 1889, played a pivotal role in the establishment of International Workers’ Day. It called for global demonstrations on the anniversary of the Chicago protests in 1890, leading to the formal recognition of May 1st as an annual day of labor solidarity in 1891. Subsequently, in 1904, Social Democratic Party organizations and trade unions worldwide were urged to actively demonstrate on May 1st to advocate for the standardization of the eight-hour workday and uphold workers’ rights.

While the majority of countries observe International Workers’ Day on May 1st, the United States and Canada celebrate Labor Day in September. Across the globe, millions of workers and their unions mark the occasion through street demonstrations and marches, highlighting the importance of labor rights. Many nations commemorate the day with parades, performances, and other patriotic and labor-focused events, urging governments to reassess wages and acknowledge workers’ right to strike and unionize.