Today is May 1, International Workers’ Day

Every year, on this day, people around the world march in the streets to commemorate May 1 and to demand better working conditions.

This day refers to workers’ protests for an 8-hour workday, guaranteed average wages, protective equipment in the workplace, and other rights. The first public demand was presented in Australia in 1885 under the slogan “8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure, and 8 hours of sleep.” A slogan that paved the way for broader demands and the establishment of a specific day—May 1—when all workers could unite to defend their rights.

The choice of this date was influenced by the serious incidents that occurred in early May 1886 in Chicago, known as the Haymarket affair. In the mid-1800s, workers had very few rights, often working up to 16 hours a day under harsh conditions and frequently losing their lives at the workplace.

On May 1, 1886, a general strike took place across the United States to reduce the workday to 8 hours. The protests lasted three days and culminated on May 4 in a tragic event where 11 people were killed.

In Europe, May 1 was historically associated with traditional rural festivals of farmers, but later it became linked to the modern labor movement. The decision to mark May 1 every year as Workers’ Day was made in 1891 in Brussels.

Every year on this same date, people around the world commemorate Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, with large-scale protests organized by trade unions.

In many countries, May 1 is an official public holiday, and workers have the day off.

“KORÇA BOOM”