International Workers' Day – May Day
May 1st, International Workers' Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in every country except the United States and Canada. This is despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880's in the United States, with the fight for an eight-hour work day. In 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions passed a resolution stating that eight hours would constitute a legal day's work from and after May 1, 1886. The resolution called for a general strike to achieve the goal, since legislative methods had already failed. With workers being forced to work ten, twelve, and fourteen hours a day, rank and file support for the eight-hour movement grew rapidly, despite the indifference and hostility of many union leaders. By April 1886, there were 250,000 workers were involved in the May Day movement. The heart of the movement was in Chicago, organized primarily by the anarchist International Working People's Association. Businesses and the state were terrified by the increasingly revolutionary character of the movement and prepared accordingly. The police and militia were increased in size and received new and powerful weapons financed by local business leaders. Chicago's Commercial Club purchased a $2000 machine gun for the Illinois National Guard to be used against strikers. Nevertheless by May 1st, the movement had already won gains for many Chicago clothing cutters, shoemakers, and packing-house workers. It is not surprising that state, business leaders, mainstream union officials, and the media would want to hide the true history of May Day, portraying it as a holiday celebrated only in Moscow's Red Square. In its attempt to erase the history and significance of May Day, the United States government declared May 1st to be “Law Day” and gave the United States Labor Day -- a holiday devoid of any historical significance other than its importance as a day to swill beer and sit in traffic jams; indicating it to be the final summer holiday. By covering up the history of May Day, the state, business, mainstream unions and the media have covered up an entire legacy of dissent in the United States. They are terrified of what a similarly militant and organized movement could accomplish today, and they suppress the seeds of such organization whenever and wherever they can. As workers, we must recognize and commemorate May Day not only for its historical significance, but also as a time to organize around issues of vital importance to working-class people. Events marking May Day, International Workers' Day (May 1st), made a new high in 2006, with major events occurring on every continent and millions of workers mobilized. Workers and their representatives took the day to stand up for their rights and interests, commemorate their achievements, and to wage new struggles. May Day events made headlines around the world, particularly in South America and, surprisingly, in the United States, where May Day was born, but had largely been forgotten. Long gone are the Cold War days when May Day was most noted for the military displays by the Soviet Union and China, and when Communist regimes and movements seemingly held the franchise on May Day. Contemporary May Day events are about rank and file mobilizations which revolve around key working class struggles particular to each country, though a strong sense of international solidarity also pervades them. Most are organized by labor unions, mass movements, and a variety of left-wing political parties. Communists continue to be involved, but no longer play a leading role in most countries. Only Cuba, with its prestige gained in standing up to the U.S., continues to be held in high esteem at many May Day events.
International Workers' Day, May 1, 2007 – In the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph, the Worker. Indeed we call upon Joseph, the model of workers to intercede for all who struggle for the rights of workers, for a safe working environment and just wages along with fair benefits. Let us honor the history of May Day, and mourn the loss of significance of this holiday. Sister Karen J. Hartman, SFP
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