Exploring the History of Honouring Workers and Labour Rights on Labour Day. Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a global event that recognizes the contributions of workers and provides an opportunity for trade unions to call on governments for stronger labour rights. While the occasion is widely celebrated, events across Europe range in size and shape, from nationwide protests to more subdued affairs.
Labour Day, also known as International Workers Day, has its roots in Australia, where stonemasons in Melbourne protested against labour conditions in 1856. The protests led to the establishment of the eight-hour working day and served as an impetus for further action across the world, including the violent crackdown on protesters during the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886.
Today, Labour Day is marked across Europe with a mix of political and cultural traditions. In France and Italy, the day has a strong political spirit, while in the UK and Ireland, it is typically seen as a celebration of spring and colourful folklore. In Eastern Europe, May Day has historic significance due to the value bestowed upon the holiday by the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact states.
Despite the appropriation of International Workers Day by political parties across the spectrum, the increasing displacement of manual workers by automation technologies and the weakening of trade unions are seen as threats to labour rights.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, making this year’s Labour Day particularly significant across Europe. The European Union remains committed to ensuring fair working conditions and strong labour rights for all workers in the EU.
