What is International Workers' Day?
International Workers' Day, which takes place every year in many countries around the world, aims to honor workers and the working classes. This day is also known as Labour Day or May Day in the United States.
The Industrial Revolution, which began in 1760, was a major event in Britain. This festival has swept around the globe and lasted until 1840. Agricultural societies became more industrialized during this period. Inventions such as the railroad, cotton gin, and electricity forever changed society. During the Industrial Revolution, millions of workers around the world were needed.
During this time, many employers treated their employees unfairly, paid incorrect salaries, provided poor working conditions, and coerced laborers to work long hours. Any employees worked 16 hours a day. What the working class needed was someone to stand up for their rights. The International Workingmen's Union formed in London in 1864. The union fought for workers' right to organize and also the right to an 8-hour working day. Workers in 1871 in France followed suit and initiated their own labour movement.
When Pope Leo XIII published "On the Condition of the Working Classes," he became involved in the labor movement. He wrote, "On the Condition of the Working Classes." Shorter work hours, fair compensation, the elimination of child labor, and the ability for the state to control labor conditions were among the items he advocated for. Later, the global labour movement helped to create a 5-day workweek, paid holidays, and an 8-hour workday. Many employees around the world are enjoying all of the benefits that the labour movement fought so hard for today.
