On May 1, 2023 the International Labor Day or Worker's Day is commemorated around the world . This date serves as a vindication of the labor and social rights of workers, but what is its origin?
Origin
The origin of International Workers' Day dates back to the 19th century, when workers around the world began to fight for better working conditions and fairer salaries. At that time, the work day was 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week, and wages were extremely low. Workers often worked in dangerous conditions and did not have basic labor rights. Furthermore, the penalties imposed on businessmen for not complying with this daily limit were approximately a ridiculous 25 dollars.
In this context of exploitation and injustice, it is They founded the first workers' unions, which were created to protect the labor rights of workers and improve their working conditions.
In 1884, the American Federation of Labor proposed establishing a workday of eight hours a day, and declared that May 1, 1886 would be the date on which this change would be implemented. In the following days, workers began holding demonstrations and strikes to pressure employers to comply with this demand.
"Eight hours of work ", eight hours of leisure and eight hours of rest", was the slogan repeated by the workers during the many protests that followed. However, the workers' struggle was not easy, and up to four days of demands would take place in the United States, often having to face violent repression from the authorities and employers.
During these days, on May 4, 1886, a confrontation took place between the police and the workers, which resulted in the death of several workers and police officers during a demonstration in Chicago. This event is known as the Haymarket Massacre and became a turning point in the workers' fight for their rights.
It would already be in 1889 when the Second International, an organization of socialist and labor parties, decided to establish May 1 as International Workers' Day, in commemoration of the workers' fight for the eight-hour workday and in honor of the workers who lost their lives during the fight for their rights.
Meaning
International Workers' Day is a day of reflection and struggle for the rights of workers around the world. It is an opportunity to honor workers and recognize their fundamental role in economic and social development. It is also a time to reflect on current working conditions and to call on employers and governments to better protect workers' rights and improve their working conditions.
In addition, International Workers' Day offers a turning point to highlight the importance of solidarity among workers and recognize the role of unions in the fight for rights. labor rights, emphasizing its fundamental role in protecting workers' rights and improving their working conditions. For all these reasons, this day is an opportunity to highlight their work and their importance in society.
Other dates
Although it is called International Workers' Day, it is not celebrated unanimously in all countries. Although it may seem paradoxical, the United States itself does not commemorate this holiday in May, moving it to the first Monday in September and calling it Labor Day. This is because they decided to disassociate this date from the labor movement, fearing that socialism would develop and expand in the United States. This country is not alone, since others like Canada followed its example.
International Workers' Day in Spain
As mentioned above, International Workers' Day has its origins in the struggle of workers for better working conditions and fairer wages. In Spain, this struggle also dates back to the 19th century, when workers began to organize to improve their working conditions.
During the Second Republic, the government approved the Employment Contract Law, which established the eight-hour working day and improved the working conditions of workers. However, with the arrival of the Civil War and the subsequent Franco dictatorship, labor rights were eliminated and workers were subjected to extremely precarious working conditions.
No It was not until the arrival of democracy in Spain, in the late 1970s, that labor rights began to be restored and International Workers' Day became an official holiday. International Workers' Day has great importance in Spain, as it represents the fight for labor rights and the improvement of working conditions, offering an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of decent work.
In Spain, workers have made important progress in protecting their labor rights, such as the eight-hour working day, the interprofessional minimum wage and protection against arbitrary dismissal. However, many labor inequalities still exist and it is important to continue fighting for the improvement of working conditions and the protection of workers' rights. This is why, in Spain, it is celebrated with different activities and demonstrations throughout the country, organized by unions and workers in defense of their labor rights.
Where is May 2 a holiday?
This year, as May 1 falls on a Sunday, the BOE has moved the holiday to Monday, May 2, classifying it as a replaceable holiday. This means that the different autonomous communities have the power to decide whether or not to include this holiday in their work calendars. This is why only six autonomous communities have decided to postpone the May 1 holiday to the following Monday. These will be:
- Andalusia
- Aragón
- Asturias
- Castile and León
- Extremadura
- Region of Murcia
