Today is International Workers' Day

Every year on May 1st, millions of workers across the globe unite to celebrate International Workers Day, also known as May Day or Labour Day. More than just a public holiday, it is a day of protest, solidarity, and remembrance—a reminder of the hard-fought battles for the rights we often take for granted today.

From the eight-hour workday to weekends, maternity leave, and workplace safety laws, many of the labor protections we enjoy today were won through strikes, protests, and even bloodshed. Yet, in an era of gig economies, wage stagnation, and corporate greed, the struggle for fair treatment continues.

The Historical Roots of May Day

The Haymarket Affair (1886)

The origins of May Day trace back to the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, USA, in 1886. During this period, workers across the United States were fighting for an eight-hour workday, as many laborers endured 12 to 16-hour shifts in unsafe conditions.

This event became a turning point in labor history, inspiring workers worldwide to demand their rights.

The Bloody Origins: How May Day Was Born

The Haymarket Massacre (1886): A Turning Point

On May 1, 1886, over 300,000 U.S. workers went on strike. In Chicago, the movement grew stronger, leading to a clash between protesters and police at Haymarket Square on May 4. A bomb was thrown, gunfire erupted, and both police and workers died.

Despite a lack of evidence, eight anarchist labor activists were convicted. Four were hanged, turning them into martyrs for workers’ rights.

 The Birth of International Workers’ Day

In 1889, the Second International declared May 1st as a day to honor the Haymarket protesters and demand labor rights worldwide. Since then, May Day has been a symbol of resistance against exploitation.

May Day across the World: Protests, Parades, and Power

Different nations observe May Day in their own ways—some with massive protests, others with state-sponsored celebrations, and a few with silence due to repression.