International Labor Day Quotes, Wishes, Messages To Celebrate Work And Career
We celebrate International Labor Day or May Day annually on May 1 to commemorate the laborers and the working class across the world. On this day, the labor unions and socialists celebrate by organizing programs to improve their working conditions and wages. You will not be surprised to know that in more than 80 countries, International Labor Day is a national holiday.
“Wishing you a very happy Mayday. Thanks a lot for all your hard work.”
Why We Celebrate International Labor Day?
The primary intention of celebrating Labor Day was to provide a holiday to the workers, honoring American workers’ social and economic achievements. During the industrial revolution, the American workers contributed towards building a strong nation with infrastructures such as dams, roads, railways, and bridges. But rich and powerful men often get all the credit.
The condition before international Labor Day was different. And there were deaths, dangerous working conditions, and injuries among the working class globally. During the era of industrialization in the 19th century, the US exploited the working class viciously. And at that moment, the working class had to work for up to 15 hours a day under rigorous conditions. And the consequences were as daunting as the rising death of the workforce in industries. The pain and suffering made the workforce raise their voice for their safety. And after the efforts made by the socialists and workers, The American Federation of Labor declared that the legal time for the workers would be 8 hours.
What Is the Story Behind International Labor Day?
To know the origin of Labor Day, we have to go back to an incident in Chicago. It took place on May 4, 1886. We commonly know the incident as the Haymarket affair. On this day, the workforce assembled as a part of a peaceful rally with a simple demand of an 8-hour workday. Suddenly an unidentified individual threw a dynamite bomb at the police to dissolve the meeting. Along with the bomb blast, the gunfire caused the deaths of seven police officers. Four civilians also died while dozens of others were severely injured.
After that incident, the Chicago protest is celebrated as Labor Day on May 1. This protest took place in many countries, including Cuba, China, and India, with the exact demand of following an 8-hour workday. India celebrated its first Labor Day on May 1, 1923. The Labor Kishan Party …