BRIEF HISTORY OF MAY DAY
Working people around the world have always had to struggle
to win decent wages, and safe working conditions.
to win decent wages, and safe working conditions.
In the 1860’s they campaigned for shorter working hours in
many countries. On May 1, 1886, workers in Canada and the United States, held
peaceful strikes and rallies to demand an eight-hour work day.
many countries. On May 1, 1886, workers in Canada and the United States, held
peaceful strikes and rallies to demand an eight-hour work day.
Two days later, Chicago police killed several demonstrators
at a clash between workers and scabs in that city. A rally was held in Hay market Square to
protest the killings, and when the police tried to forcibly disperse the crowd,
a bomb was thrown. Seven policemen were killed; dozens in the crowd were
injured.
at a clash between workers and scabs in that city. A rally was held in Hay market Square to
protest the killings, and when the police tried to forcibly disperse the crowd,
a bomb was thrown. Seven policemen were killed; dozens in the crowd were
injured.
Although, none had thrown the bomb, eight leaders of the
Chicago workers movement were charged with the death of the policemen. They
were all convicted. Four were executed, one died in custody, and three were
given life imprisonment, but were eventually pardoned.
Chicago workers movement were charged with the death of the policemen. They
were all convicted. Four were executed, one died in custody, and three were
given life imprisonment, but were eventually pardoned.
In memory of this struggle and the struggle of all workers
for better conditions, May 1 was declared an eight-hour holiday in 1889, by the
International Workers’ Congress in Paris.
for better conditions, May 1 was declared an eight-hour holiday in 1889, by the
International Workers’ Congress in Paris.
In many countries May 1 is a workers’ holiday celebrated
every year. In Nigeria, May Day as a holiday was first declared by the People
Redemption Party (PRP) Government of Kano State in 1980. It became a national
holiday on May 1, 1981.
every year. In Nigeria, May Day as a holiday was first declared by the People
Redemption Party (PRP) Government of Kano State in 1980. It became a national
holiday on May 1, 1981.
Have fun today my Lovely People and please be safe…
Happy new and happy workers day to you Gloria dear!
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