International workers day is the day of working classes and labourers which is celebrated all over the world on May 1st. In maximum countries, it is a national, public holiday.
It is celebrated as Mayday in most of the counties across the world. But the day has some other names like “Workers day”, “Labour day” or some similar names. There are some countries where the day is celebrated on other dates according to their significance, such as it is celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States and Canada.
International workers day 2022 will be on Friday, May 1. The day signifies the rights of labourers which should be provided to all the working classes all over the world. One can get ideas about the day through international workers day images or international workers day quotes.
History of International Workers Day
Commemorating the Haymarket affair, Chicago which took place in 1986, socialists, communists and trade unionists chose 1st May as international workers day in the late 19th century.
Before the incident of Haymarket affair, Chicago, working classes of the US used to work for 10 to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions. Death and injuries were common in many working places as the working conditions were not suitable for workers.
In the 1860s working population felt the importance of reducing the working hours without cutting their pay. But it wasn’t possible till the year 1886 when around 300000 to 50000 people of the US went on strike for the eight-hour workday. Chicago was the centre place of the struggle.
The strike was well and coordinated till May 3 as on that day strikers had a face-off with the strikebreakers at McCormick Harvesting machine company. Police attempted to radiate the strikers on May 4 when a bomb was thrown at the Haymarket square. 7 officers and 4 civilians were dead. Police also open fired upon the strikers and killed at least two of the strikers.
Police subsequently arrested 8 protestors and the court sentenced seven to death and 15 years imprisonment to one. Four of them were hanged and one committed suicide. Those who died are regarded as “Haymarket Martyrs” by many who were left alive.
The second international, the international organization for workers and socialists declared May 1 as international workers day or Labour Day memorizing the strike at Haymarket square. Thus the Haymarket affair contributed a lot to broader the labour movement. However, the eight-hour working day was not established until it was included in the law in 1916.
After the initiation of eight hours working day in the US in 1916, it was endorsed by the international communists and socialists Organization in various countries.
The First World War was continuing then and the US declared its involvement in the war in 1917. Then the Marxist leaders across the globe argued that the workers should unite for a revolutionary war against the ruling classes of their own countries. After four days of the revolutionary approach, the eight-hour workday was introduced worldwide as the official decree.
Importance of International Workers Day
International workers day symbolizes the major labour movement of the 19th century. History has a lot to teach the new generation. At present, the working population is enjoying eight hours workday, all the other rights, law against child labour. But it was obtained at the cost of bloodshed of many strikers.
The present condition can’t be taken for granted – people fought very hard for the rights and privileges we are enjoying today. The sacrifices and immolations of the strikers cannot be forgotten, that’s why we celebrate the day every with great honour.
International Workers Day Images
To understand the ultimate importance of international workers day you can give a look at the international workers day images of different countries. From the images, you can get ideas about the different programs, rallies organized on this day.
Here I will show you the best collections of related images. Find and download the best quality HD international workers day images from here..
International Workers Day Quotes
Commemorating the importance of International Workers’ Day, we share some inspiring quotes and wishes to keep your working day filled with motivation. From these quotes, you can get inspiration for fighting for your rights.
Choose your favourite international workers day quote and keep it at your working station and happily celebrate International Labour Day.
“Work keeps at bay three great evils: boredom, vice, and need.”
» Voltaire
“It is labor indeed that puts the difference on everything.” » John Locke
» Voltaire
“From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”
» Karl Marx
“A mind always employed is always happy. This is the true secret, the grand recipe, for felicity.”
» Thomas Jefferson
“God sells us all things at the price of labor.”
» Leonardo da Vinci
“There is nothing laudable in work for work’s sake.”
» John Stuart Mill
“If wars are eliminated and production is organized scientifically, it is probable that four hours’ work a day will suffice to keep everybody in comfort.”
» Bertrand Russell
“We must learn to live together as brothers or we are going to perish together as fools.”
» Martin Luther King
“God give me work, till my life shall end And life, till my work is done.”
» Epitaph
“Without labor nothing prospers.”
» Sophocles
“Labor was the first price, the original purchase-money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.”
» Adam Smith
“Physical labor not only does not exclude the possibility of mental activity, but improves and stimulates it.”
» Leo Tolstoy
“Labor is the only prayer that Nature answers.”
» Robert Green Ingersoll
“Man is so made that he can only find relaxation from one kind of labor by taking up another.”
» Anatole France
“The man who doesn’t relax and hoot a few hoots voluntarily, now and then, is in great danger of hooting hoots and standing on his head for the edification of the pathologist and trained nurse, a little later on.”
» Elbert Hubbard
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.”
» Ovid
“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
» Martin Luther King
International Workers Day Theme
Every year a theme is chosen to celebrate the international workers day. The international worker’s day theme of this year is uniting and promoting the advancement of human relationships.
Every year’s theme can motivate the working population and inspire them about their work. They can understand the importance of this day and spread the value of this by concentrating on the theme of every year.
International Workers Day Song
There are some songs on international labour day. These songs can motivate you and give energy to your work. So you should collect the songs to get inspiration.
Here are some exclusive collections of international worker’s day songs. You can download them and enjoy them in your working station.
International Workers Day USA
International Labour Day was initiated first in the USA. Everybody still remembers the Haymarket affair by celebrating Labour Day with great honour. It removes the differences between the working class and the ruling class.
International workers day USA is celebrated through rallies, different programs every year to remember the sacrifices of the strikers of the 19th century.
International Workers Day in Italy
International labour day was first celebrated in Italy in the year 1890. It started initially to celebrate the achievement of the workers in their struggle for better social and economic conditions.
It is a national holiday in Italy. Every year a big concert is arranged to celebrate the day where most of the young people attend and famous singers, bands, songwriters remain present and it continues till midnight.
International Workers Day in UK
International workers day in UK is celebrated on the first Monday in May each year. There are many rituals which are celebrated every year with traditions every year.
In recent years there are arranged some anti-capitalist movements, where some clashes have happened. London Mayday organizing committee arranges a rally in London on Mayday every year.
Shab E Barat 2020
