What is International Workers' Day?
International Workers' Day, which takes place every year in many countries around the world, aims to honor laborers 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 in the United Kingdom, was the start of a major event called the Industrial Revolution. This event 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 changed society forever. During the Industrial Revolution, millions of workers around the world were needed.
Sadly, many employers treated their employees unfairly, paid incorrect salaries, provided poor working conditions, and coerced laborers to work long hours during this time. Any employees worked 16 hours a day. Someone to stand up for their rights was what the working class needed. The International Workingmen's Union formed in London in 1864. The company fought for the right for employees to organize and also the right for an 8-hour working day. In 1871, workers in France imitated tradition 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. Shorter work hours, fair wages, elimination of child labor, and the ability for the state to control labor conditions were among the items he advocated for. Eventually, the global labour movement helped to create a 5-day workweek, paid holidays, and an 8-hour workday. Many workers around the world today receive all the rights that the labour movement fought so hard for today.
