The history of May Day is deeply rooted in the struggle for workers’ rights and the fight for better working conditions. The origins of this significant day can be traced back to the late 19th century, a period marked by industrialization, rapid urbanization, and the rise of capitalism.
One of the key events that paved the way for May Day was the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago, United States, in 1886. On May 1st of that year, hundreds of thousands of workers across the United States took to the streets to demand an eight-hour workday. The movement gained momentum, culminating in a series of strikes and protests. However, the peaceful demonstrations in Chicago turned violent when a bomb was thrown at police officers during a rally in Haymarket Square on May 4th. The incident resulted in the deaths of several police officers and civilians, and many more were injured. In the aftermath, several labor leaders were arrested and tried, with some being sentenced to death.
The Haymarket affair galvanized the labor movement and inspired international solidarity among workers. In 1889, the International Socialist Congress in Paris declared May 1st as International Workers’ Day to honor the martyrs of the Haymarket affair and to advocate for the rights of working people worldwide.
Since then, May Day has been commemorated annually as a day of solidarity, protest, and celebration by workers and labor organizations around the world. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for labor rights and social justice, as well as a call to action to address ongoing challenges facing workers, such as low wages, unsafe working conditions, and inequality.
Over the years, May Day has evolved to encompass a wide range of issues beyond labor rights, including immigrant rights, environmental justice, and anti-war activism. Despite variations in how it is observed from country to country, the spirit of May Day remains grounded in the principles of solidarity, unity, and the ongoing struggle for a more just and equitable society.
Contemporary May Day Celebrations
On Wednesday, workers and activists worldwide commemorated May Day with predominantly peaceful protests, highlighting concerns over escalating prices and advocating for enhanced labor rights. Additionally, demonstrations showcased pro-Palestinian sentiments as well.
In Istanbul, police resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse thousands attempting to breach a barricade and access the central Taksim square, defying a ban, leading to the detention of at least 210 individuals.
The Turkish government, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has long restricted Taksim for security reasons. The area gained infamy in 1977 when unidentified assailants fired upon a May Day gathering, resulting in a fatal stampede that claimed 34 lives. On Wednesday, a small contingent of trade union representatives paid homage to the victims by laying a wreath at a monument.
May Day observed annually on May 1st, serves as a commemoration of workers’ rights and provides a platform for expressing economic grievances and political demands. Banners across various countries echoed sentiments such as “Tax the rich” in Germany, “Don’t touch the eight-hour workday!” in Sri Lanka, and “I want to live, not survive” in France.
In Paris, tensions escalated as police deployed tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters advocating for improved pay and working conditions. Amidst the march, a homemade explosive was detonated, resulting in 12 officers being hospitalized, with 29 arrests made in total.
Some demonstrators symbolically ignited makeshift Olympic rings to voice discontent with the upcoming Summer Games, scheduled to commence in less than three months. French unions have issued warnings of potential strikes during the Games unless the government adequately compensates those compelled to work during summer holidays.
At the Paris rally, Pro-Palestinian groups also united, chanting slogans in solidarity with Gaza. Similar scenes unfolded in Greece, where pro-Palestinian protesters participated in May Day rallies, proudly waving a large Palestinian flag as they passed the Greek parliament. Others voiced their support for protesting students in the United States through banners displayed during the march.
In Nigeria, unions criticized government efforts to alleviate the cost of living and called for substantial salary increases amidst an inflation rate exceeding 33%, the highest in 28 years. Meanwhile, in South Africa, pro-Palestinian demonstrators participated in May Day events, while in Kenya, President William Ruto advocated for an increase in the country’s minimum wage.
In Lebanon, pro-Palestinian marchers mingled with workers demanding relief from the country’s dire economic crisis. In Iraq, protesters rallied for improved wages, the reopening of shuttered factories, and an end to the privatization of certain industries.
As Sri Lanka grapples with its most severe economic downturn, tens of thousands of its citizens marched through the capital, voicing discontent over the nation’s financial woes, which have persisted since declaring bankruptcy two years ago. The populace has become increasingly disillusioned with attempts to boost revenue through electricity price hikes and the imposition of taxes on professionals and small enterprises.
In the capital of South Korea, thousands of demonstrators gathered, shouting pro-labor chants during a rally organized to intensify criticism of what they perceived as anti-labor policies under President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conservative administration.
Meanwhile, in Japan, over 10,000 individuals congregated in Tokyo, advocating for salary hikes to offset rising living costs. In Indonesia, workers rallied for enhanced protections for overseas migrant workers and an increase in the minimum wage. Amid heightened security measures, they voiced opposition to the new Job Creation Law and relaxed regulations on outsourcing.
In the Philippines, hundreds of workers and activists from left-wing groups marched to demand higher wages and job security amidst skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. However, their progress towards the presidential palace was impeded by riot police.
