The Origin and Tradition of American Labor Day

Background

“May 1st” International Labor Day originated in the United States, but the US Labor Day is not “May 1st”. This is because on May 1, 1886, when the capitalist industry had leaped to the first place in the world, a national workers’ strike occurred in the United States. Hours, even more). On that day, more than 11,000 companies and 350,000 workers across the United States stopped work and held demonstrations. However, they were suppressed by the US authorities. For example, in Chicago, more than 200 people were killed or injured. Seven worker leaders across the country were sentenced to death and life imprisonment.

After Labor Day was first proposed, the Central Trade Union and the Labor Knights actively promoted this holiday. They organized a parade after the tragedy in Chicago’s Moss. Many countries in the world celebrate Labor Day. Labor Day in the United States and Labor Day in Canada are the same day. More than 80 other countries in the world celebrate International Labor Day on May 1st.

Origin

However, the “May 1st” strike received sympathy and support from international workers, especially European workers, and finally forced the American bourgeoisie to make concessions: 185,000 people in the United States won eight-hour working days; even stubborn companies had to The daily working time is shortened to 9-10 hours.

In July 1889, the Second International led by Engels held a congress in Paris. In order to commemorate the “May 1st” strike of American workers, the meeting passed a resolution to designate May 1 every year as International Labor Day. Since then, worker groups from all over the world have held grand celebrations on this day, and many countries have a day off.

In August 1889, US President Benjamin Harrison signed the US Labor Day Act. The first Monday in September is set to be Labor Day. Americans can take a day off. People across the United States generally hold parades, rallies, and other celebrations to show respect for labor. In some states, people even hold a picnic after the parade to eat, drink, sing and dance lively. At night, fireworks are set off in some places.