International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, is a celebration of laborers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labor movement and occurs every year on May 1st. It originated in the late 19th-century United States from the efforts of the labor movement to establish an eight-hour workday, a demand underscored by the Haymarket affair in Chicago. While the United States now celebrates Labor Day on a different date, May Day is recognized as a public holiday in many countries and continues to be a day of protests and demonstrations organized by labor unions, socialist, communist, and anarchist groups to advocate for workers' rights.
May Day's origins lie in the late 19th-century labor movement's fight for an eight-hour workday. Specifically, it commemorates the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where workers protesting for shorter hours were met with police violence and a subsequent bombing, resulting in wrongful convictions and executions. The event galvanized international labor movements and, at the Second International's 1889 congress in Paris, May 1st was declared International Workers' Day in honor of the Haymarket martyrs and as a continuing call for the eight-hour workday. It became a day of demonstrations, strikes, and celebrations for workers' rights worldwide.
HN commenters discuss the history of May Day and its connection to the Haymarket affair. Some point out the common misconception that May Day commemorates the Haymarket bombing itself, rather than the broader movement for the eight-hour workday for which the executed anarchists were rallying. Others highlight the historical revisionism and propaganda surrounding the event, particularly the portrayal of the accused as violent agitators. A few users delve deeper into the specific legal aspects of the trial, emphasizing its unfairness and the lack of evidence linking the defendants to the bombing. The thread also briefly touches upon the international adoption of May Day as a workers' holiday and its subsequent evolution in different countries.
Summary of Comments ( 62 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43856803
The Hacker News comments discuss various aspects of International Workers' Day/May Day. Several commenters explore the historical significance of the date, including its roots in the Haymarket affair and the fight for the eight-hour workday. Some contrast the American celebration of Labor Day in September with the international May Day, noting the different historical origins and current cultural significance. A few comments touch on the complicated relationship between labor movements, socialism/communism, and anarchism. Others mention the holiday's current status in different countries, highlighting varying degrees of celebration and political significance. A recurring theme is the disconnect between the original intent of the day—workers' rights—and its modern perception. Finally, some users share personal anecdotes related to May Day celebrations or labor activism.
The Hacker News post titled "International Workers' Day" linking to the Wikipedia article about the same subject has a moderate number of comments, generating some interesting discussion around the historical and contemporary significance of the day.
Several commenters discuss the origins of May Day, rooted in the Haymarket affair and the fight for the eight-hour workday. One commenter highlights the crucial role of Albert Parsons and August Spies, two anarchist figures who were executed in connection with the Haymarket bombing, in the broader labor movement. This commenter points out their advocacy for the eight-hour day and connects their activism to the modern celebration of International Workers' Day. Another commenter adds to this historical context by mentioning the significant role of immigrant workers, particularly German immigrants, in the American labor movement of the late 19th century.
The conversation also touches on the different ways May Day is celebrated globally. Some commenters note the stark contrast between the celebration of labor rights in many parts of the world and the relative lack of recognition in the United States, attributing this difference to various factors including the historical suppression of labor movements in the US and the Cold War's association of May Day with communism. A commenter argues that the US's Labor Day, celebrated in September, serves as a more sanitized and less politically charged alternative. This leads to a discussion about the effectiveness of strikes and other forms of labor action in achieving workers' rights.
Several users reflect on the current state of labor relations, with some lamenting the perceived decline in union membership and worker power in recent decades. One commenter observes the irony of companies co-opting May Day with marketing campaigns celebrating "the worker," while simultaneously engaging in practices that are seen as detrimental to workers' rights and well-being.
There's also a brief discussion about the relationship between technology and labor, with one commenter suggesting that the advancements in automation and artificial intelligence could lead to a future where traditional concepts of work are fundamentally transformed.
Finally, some comments offer personal anecdotes and reflections on the importance of worker solidarity and the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices. One commenter shares a story of participating in a May Day demonstration, emphasizing the sense of community and shared purpose among the participants.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post demonstrate a range of perspectives on the history and contemporary relevance of International Workers' Day, touching upon historical context, global comparisons, current labor issues, and the potential impact of technology on the future of work.