International Workers' Day

Workers' Day, also known as International Workers' Day or Labor Day, is celebrated annually on May 1 in parks, streets, and city squares all over the world. A long and often difficult struggle for workplace fairness, dignity, and respect lies behind the colorful parades and solidarity songs. The 19th-century Industrial Revolution is where Workers' Day got its start. During that time, factories, mills, and mines across Europe and North America were booming with activity, but the workers who powered this growth often lived harsh lives. Laborers, including women and children, toiled in dangerous conditions for 12 to 16 hours a day, six or even seven days a week. They earned low wages and had little protection from injury, illness, or exploitation.

The growing misery among workers led to the rise of labor unions and workers' associations. These groups demanded better conditions, fair pay, and, most importantly, shorter working hours. One of the central demands became the call for an eight-hour workday: "Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will."

In the 1880s, this demand in the United States culminated in a significant movement. Hundreds of thousands of workers nationwide went on strike on May 1, 1886. They demanded the eight-hour day as they peacefully marched through cities. In Chicago, a major industrial hub, the movement was especially strong.

Tensions between workers and business owners were already high. Several people were killed when police opened fire on strikers at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company on May 3. In response, labor leaders called for a protest meeting the next day at Haymarket Square.

On May 4, a large crowd gathered at Haymarket. At first, things were quiet, but as the police tried to break up the rally, someone threw a bomb into their ranks. Numerous civilians and police officers were killed in the explosion and subsequent gunfire. Although the bomber was never identified, authorities arrested eight labor leaders, accusing them of inciting violence. Four were executed, and another died in jail, becoming martyrs for the labor movement.

The tragedy of the Haymarket Affair deeply shocked workers around the world. In 1889, the International Socialist Conference in Paris declared May 1st as International Workers' Day in honor of the Haymarket martyrs and the ongoing fight for workers' rights.

Over time, May Day became a symbol of solidarity among workers globally. It represented not just the struggle for better hours, but broader demands for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and social justice. Countries like Germany, Russia, India, China, and many in Latin America embraced the day with marches, rallies, and speeches.

In some countries, particularly the United States, Labor Day was moved to September, partly to distance it from the radical image of May Day. However, the true spirit of worker solidarity continued to be recognized internationally on May 1. Throughout the 20th century, Workers' Day saw both triumphs and trials. In the early years of the Soviet Union, May Day was celebrated with massive parades showcasing the power of the working class. In the West, workers fought for and won major reforms, such as minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and the right to unionize.

At times, the day also became a flashpoint for broader political movements. In the 1960s and 70s, May Day marches called for civil rights, an end to colonialism, and opposition to wars. In many parts of the world, the spirit of Workers' Day evolved to include struggles against all forms of oppression and inequality.

The first of May is observed in a variety of ways today. In some places, it is a public holiday filled with parades, music, and festivals honoring workers' contributions to society. In some places, it continues to be a day of protest as workers demand higher wages, safer workplaces, and more rights in an economy that is constantly changing. The meaning of Workers' Day continues to evolve with the times. In the age of technology and globalization, new challenges face workers — from gig economy jobs with few protections to the threat of automation and economic inequality. Yet the spirit of May 1st endures: the belief that dignity, justice, and fairness must guide the world of work.

People honor not only the victories of the past, but also the ongoing journey toward a better, more equitable future for all who labor, as they march with banners held high or gather with friends and family to rest and celebrate.