May 1st, Labor Day
May 1st is celebrated worldwide as Labor Day, a day dedicated to commemorating the historic struggle of workers for their labor rights. The date traces its origins to the events in Chicago in 1886, when thousands of workers took to the streets to demand an eight-hour workday. That protest culminated in a general strike and, subsequently, a violent crackdown known as the Haymarket Riot. Despite the harshness of the repression, that struggle marked a turning point in the history of the labor movement.
Since then, Labor Day has become a symbolic day to commemorate the social and labor achievements achieved through collective struggle: the regulation of the working day, the right to rest, workplace safety, social protection, and equal opportunities, among many others.
Today, despite the progress made, the world of work continues to face significant challenges. Precarious employment, youth unemployment, wage inequalities, and a lack of work-life balance are problems that still affect millions of people. Therefore, Labor Day is not only a celebration, but also a day of protest and reflection. It is a time to value the dignity of work and demand fair working conditions for all.
With memory, solidarity, and a fighting spirit, May 1st reminds us that labor rights are not a privilege, but an achievement to be defended day after day.
