ReadNOW

International Labour Day, also referred to as May Day or International Workers’ Day, is an annual celebration that marks the struggles and achievements of workers and the labour movement around the world. It’s observed around the globe on 1 May, and is a public holiday in most countries.

The holiday has its foundations in North America. In May 1886, a violent crackdown on protesters in Chicago – known as the Haymarket Affair – saw numerous deaths and injuries after a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an eight-hour workday.

This led to the Second International in Paris calling for demonstrations to be held in its memory four years later. 

By the end of the 19th century, many European countries had taken inspiration, and May Day had become a global phenomenon.

In Europe, events range in size and shape from nationwide celebrations to smaller-scale affairs. This year was no different, as many protests calling for increased workers’ rights took place across major European capitals, here’s a preview.

France

Thousands participated in nationwide protests, called for by unions across the country. More than 10,000 people participated in rallies held in Paris.

Police scuffled with protesters in the capital on Thursday.

The scuffles erupted when protesters passed by the Socialist Party militants who were asked to leave the protest including an MP, Jerome Guedj.

Thousands were attending the rallies and demonstrations, calling for stronger protections for workers, higher wages and greater equality.

The demonstrations took place against a backdrop of political instability in the country, where a party deadlock and a historic parliamentary vote that ousted the previous government in December left the country without a functioning government for weeks.

Spain

Solidaridad, the workers’ union of the far right party VOX and traditional workers unions staged parallel demonstrations in Madrid for Labor Day.

Solidaridad held the rally together with party leader, Santiago Abascal in one of the working-class areas of the Madrid region, Fuenlabrada, to advocate for workers’ rights.

They carried Spanish flags and criticised the government as well as the recent blackout on Monday.

“The work in Spain is bad, many hours, low salary. Life is getting more expensive, and the government does nothing,” said Andreu Barba, a gardener.

Meanwhile, traditional workers’ unions like UGT (General Workers Union) and CCOO (Workers Commission) held a rally in the city centre, where they called for the continuation of improved labour conditions and a reduction in the workday.

Greece

Thousands of workers gathered in central Athens on Thursday to mark the occasion.

Several workers’ unions and trade unions staged a rally outside the parliament building, waving flags and chanting anti-government slogans.

Student Foteini Douli said it was important to reflect and remember.

“Of course we are here to honour Labor Day, which after many struggles and with great effort we, workers managed to achieve the eight-hour day, the working conditions and the rest,” she said.

Additional sources • AP