May Day Marks Legacy of Labor Struggles

International Workers’ Day, celebrated on May 1, traces its origins to the labor battles of the late 19th century. In 1886, hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers mobilized for the eight‑hour workday, with Chicago’s Haymarket Affair leaving a lasting mark after deadly clashes with police. The tragedy became a symbol of workers’ sacrifice, and in 1889 the Second International declared May 1 a day of global mobilization. Over time, the date was institutionalized as a public holiday in many countries, particularly after 1947, and became associated with traditions such as offering lilies of the valley in Europe. Today, May Day remains both festive and political: unions and workers gather to honor past achievements, demand new protections, and reflect on challenges posed by globalization, technological change, and economic transformation. It stands as a reminder that rights such as social security, unionization, and limits on working hours were won through hard‑fought struggles.