History of International Labour Day on 1 May: From Tragedy to Congress in Paris
International Labour Day, known as May Day, is far more than just a public holiday on the calendar. This important day holds a long history of the working class’s struggles around the world. Behind the annual commemoration on 1 May lies a story filled with struggle and solidarity among workers.
In the past, workers faced extremely harsh working conditions without adequate protection. Long working hours, low wages, and dangerous environments were part of daily life. Although commonplace, such conditions were certainly not what workers deserved. From there emerged resistance that gave birth to significant events remembered and fought for to this day.
The journey towards recognising International Labour Day was not brief. From the Haymarket tragedy to its establishment at the congress in Paris, here is a complete account of the history of International Labour Day that everyone should know.
History of International Labour Day
The establishment of International Labour Day is inseparable from the global labour movement of that era. Adapted from the book titled Labour Day: The Struggle and Dignity of Workers by Dadan Kurniawan and the book The History of May Day by Alexander Trachtenberg on the Marxists website, here is the sequence of events in the establishment of International Labour Day.
Industrial Revolution: The Background of the Labour Movement
International Labour Day was born from the labour movement demanding its rights. This movement was itself driven by the Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century. At that time, production systems increasingly used machines. To keep up, humans were forced to work unreasonable hours, even up to 18 to 20 hours a day.
These conditions were exacerbated by the lack of government regulations on workers’ rights. Unhealthy and dangerous working environments due to waste further worsened the situation for workers and vulnerable groups.
Ultimately, a collective awareness emerged among workers to fight for their fate. They began to realise that change could happen if done together. From there, the labour movement began. They started forming solidarity groups and trade unions as platforms for struggling for their rights.
The Eight-Hour Workday Movement in the United States
The eight-hour workday movement in the United States stemmed from those extremely inhumane working conditions. Initially, workers’ demands involved reducing hours to 10 per day. This demand changed the “sunrise to sunset” system, or from dawn until dusk, which they had endured for so long.
As collective awareness grew, the demand escalated to an eight-hour workday as the ideal standard. This concept offered a balance in life: eight hours working, eight hours resting, and eight hours for personal life.
This struggle became more organised with the emergence of various trade unions, one of which was the National Labor Union. Furthermore, in 1866, the eight-hour workday demand was raised as a national agenda. This marked a new chapter in the labour movement in the United States.
Support for this movement came from various worker sectors, not just factory workers, but also those in other fields. This strengthened workers’ positions in pressuring employers and the government to recognise their rights. The labour movement began to demonstrate significant collective power.
Although facing rejection from business owners, the eight-hour workday struggle continued to develop. This movement became an important foundation for subsequent major actions, while also paving the way for the birth of historic momentum in the international labour struggle.
The Wave of Major Demonstrations on 1 May 1886
Next, the increasingly organised labour movement led to setting 1 May as the deadline for fulfilling their demands regarding the eight-hour workday system. With this deadline, pressure on employers and the government intensified.
The decision by the American Federation of Labor was not without reason. It was made to consolidate the labour movement nationally. Additionally, 1 May became a symbol of the workers’ struggle.
On 1 May 1886, mass strikes occurred simultaneously across the United States. Major cities like Chicago, New York, and Detroit became centres of demonstration. Workers took to the streets to demand their rights to more humane working hours.
This action became one of the largest labour demonstrations in history at the time. Although most proceeded peacefully, tensions arose in some areas. Rejection from employers and authorities heated up the situation.
The Haymarket Tragedy and the Global Labour Movement
A few days after the 1 May strikes, tensions peaked in Chicago. On 4 May 1886, a protest in Haymarket Square turned into a bloody tragedy.
This event began as a peaceful action that ended in clashes. It was triggered by a bomb explosion in the midst of the crowd. Security forces responded with gunfire. It was the authorities’ response that caused many casualties on both sides.
This tragedy became one of the most controversial events in labour movement history. Many labour activists were arrested and tried. Not only that, some were even sentenced to death without clear evidence.
The Haymarket tragedy not only impacted the United States but also shook the international world. Workers in various countries showed solidarity with the victims. This event became a symbol of the struggle against oppression and injustice.
The stories of the workers who became victims spread widely and inspired similar movements in various countries. International solidarity began to form, with labour organisations supporting each other. The labour movement was no longer local but began to develop into a global movement.
This event also contributed to increased awareness of the importance of unity among workers across countries. Not only sym