International May Day: Honoring the Hands that Build the World

Every year on May 1st, countries across the globe observe International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. While for many it’s a welcome day off, the date actually marks a profound history rooted in sacrifice, protest, and the long-standing struggle for workers’ rights.

Today, as the nature of labor evolves in our digital, fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to reflect on what May Day truly stands for—and why it continues to matter in 2025.

The Origins of May Day: Born in Protest

The history of May Day dates back to the late 19th century in the United States. On May 1, 1886, over 300,000 workers across America went on strike demanding a standard 8-hour workday, at a time when many were forced to work 12 to 16 hours under grueling conditions.

The movement gained momentum in Chicago, where a peaceful protest in Hay-market Square turned violent after a bomb exploded. Police responded with gunfire, resulting in several deaths. In the aftermath, several labor leaders were arrested and some were executed.

This tragic event, now known as the Hay-market Affair, became a turning point in labor history. In 1889, the Second International (an organization of socialist and labor parties) declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day to honor the sacrifices of these activists and promote global labor solidarity.

🇧🇩 May Day in Bangladesh: Celebrations and Contrasts

Bangladesh officially observes May Day as a national holiday. Labor unions, worker federations, and civil society organizations hold rallies, cultural programs, and seminars aimed at raising awareness about workers' rights and safety.

But beyond the banners and slogans lies a harsh reality. Millions of Bangladeshi workers—especially in the ready-made garments (RMG), construction, and transport sectors—still face unsafe working conditions, low wages, and limited access to legal protections.

While the government has enacted labor laws and minimum wage policies, enforcement often remains weak. Tragic incidents like the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, serve as a haunting reminder of the risks many laborers face even today.

A New Era of Work: Old Struggles, New Forms

In the 21st century, the concept of “labor” has expanded beyond traditional factory jobs. We now have freelancers, remote workers, delivery drivers, ride-share drivers, and others contributing to what’s known as the gig economy.

While this shift has created flexibility and new income streams, it has also brought about job insecurity, lack of benefits, and poor legal protection. Many gig workers do not qualify for healthcare, pensions, or even basic job safety standards.

The message of May Day, therefore, extends to all modern workers: regardless of whether one works in a factory, an office, or from home—fairness, respect, and protection must be universal.

Labor and Capital: A Partnership, Not a Battle

It’s easy to fall into the narrative of workers vs. employers, but real progress comes from recognizing their interdependence. Employers provide opportunities, resources, and direction. Workers provide labor, skill, and dedication.

May Day serves as a reminder that mutual respect, dialogue, and fair negotiation can lead to better outcomes for everyone. A healthy labor environment is not only good for workers—it also improves productivity, stability, and business growth.

Why May Day Still Matters in 2025

Some might argue that May Day has lost its relevance in today's globalized world. But the truth is, the core values it represents—justice, dignity, and human rights for workers—are more critical than ever.

In a world dealing with rising inequality, automation, and climate-induced job disruptions, workers across sectors are struggling to adapt. From tech engineers fighting for fair contracts to delivery drivers risking their lives during pandemics—labor struggles are everywhere, even if they look different than they did in 1886.

Final Thoughts:

May Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It's a call to action—a reminder that no society can prosper without respecting the very hands that build it.

Let this May Day inspire real change—not just rallies or speeches.

"It’s time I read you a poem I’ve written."

A faithful interpretation of the original poem

“Fair Wages Don't Rise in Bloody Waters” by Bokul Ahmed

In our quest for life and livelihood,

we are blind—we scorch a child's skin by kissing the feet of money!

No longer do we examine faces; no longer do we care about innocent smiles.

Our "solutions" are being watched by helpless families.

In luxurious hotels, dance— where cash flies through the air.

Nymphs of the water play in pools with blue water—

the cost of a single ticket is higher than the price of water.

We endure the futility of labor.

We walk home after purchasing overpriced rice and scratching our tired faces.

The rice is thought to be boiled by women—

women also think of festivals of dance and wealth celebrations!

On roads and in fields, women—fair wages do not rise in the bloody waters.

In the global labor market, the voices of those who self-immolated reverberate.

Leaders of the state, their gaze fixed on the heavens—

Forget about Chicago's Hay-market movement.

Give opulent addresses when unexpected holidays occur and leave to get massages on their backs. — As they leave, they murmur, "May this wonderful May Day be successful!"

Book From Deshpremiker Gaan (Poem)

Written by Bokul Ahmed

1st Edison Ekushe Book fair 2022

Punlished by Ghasful Prokashani

Cover Design by Shamim Arefin

so Let’s commit to fair wages, safer workplaces, and human dignity for all who work—whether with machines or their bare hands.

in the end, “Labor is not a burden—it’s the backbone of civilization.”

Let’s honor it not only in words but through action.

Because when labor is valued, nations grow stronger. And when we honor the hands that build our societies, we build a future where no one is left behind.

Bokul Ahmed