Happy International Workers’ Day! How do we celebrate Labour Day on May 1 in the UK?
INTERNATIONAL Workers’ Day, or Labour Day as it is known in some countries, is a celebration of the working class. Here is what you need to know about the annual event, which is TODAY. When is International Workers’ Day? International Workers’ Day usually takes place every year on May Day. This year, the day will […]
INTERNATIONAL Workers’ Day, or Labour Day as it is known in some countries, is a celebration of the working class.
Here is what you need to know about the annual event, which is TODAY.
When is International Workers’ Day?
International Workers’ Day usually takes place every year on May Day.
This year, the day will not be a bank holiday as it’s on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
As May Day falls on a Wednesday, the bank holiday is on the first Monday which is, May 6.
Some countries celebrate on a different date which is significant to them, for example the United States opt for the first Monday in September.
The tradition began in the late 19th century, mainly thanks to the rise of trade unions.
What is International Workers’ Day?
The date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair – the bombing which happened at a labour demonstration in Chicago, on May 4, 1886.
Workers were striking for an eight-hour day, and began their demonstrations on May 1.
The bomb killed seven police officers and at least four workers, while dozens of others were wounded in the blast.
The day is promoted by the labour, socialist and communist movements – as well as trade unions.
A growing anti-capitalist movement in the UK has seen large scale protests in London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Doncaster.
In London, these protests have often ended in clashes with the police – although they have been more peaceful in recent years.
This year, protesters are set to march through London calling for trade union rights and international solidarity.
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May Day protests around the world
Many take to the streets in major cities around the world to observe the day.
Police in Berlin anticipate as many 20,000 demonstrators to participate.
In France, more than 7,400 police are set to be deployed in Paris.
More than 40,000 protesters are expected to demonstrate in the Indonesia capital of Jakarta.
Turkish police have barricaded Istanbul’s Taksim Square, which is where May Day demonstrations have been held for years.
Women workers are taking part in a rally marking International Worker’s Day in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
