Why do we celebrate International Workers’ Day? This was a question many of us asked as children. The best answers we probably got hovered around the day being one for workers to rest or one to celebrate the diligence of workers.
Many have walked the path to adulthood without getting to understand the foundation of this day, and still, do not understand it. The history of International Workers’ Day is rich and emotional, dating back to the early 19th century. Though it was initiated to celebrate blue-collar workers, professionals partake in the celebrations. Interestingly, the prevalent work hour length for professionals has its roots in this day.
IN THE BEGINNING: ROBERT OWEN
A charismatic and brilliant entrepreneur of the early 19th Century named Robert Owen, who would later become a critical subject matter in the study of economic and business thought, strove to redefine the working conditions of industrial workers. Ten hours to sixteen hours of labour for six days a week was the norm for workers then. These were the dark industrial days; when workers worked for long hours with little pay and poor savings (there was no Cowrywise then ☹).
Owen, being an influential figure in the British business space, spoke hard against this work anomaly and enjoyed some support. Even the likes of Karl Marx towed the path of his argument on work hours. His motto was, “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest”. And there began the journey towards the 9 to 5 work style.
Although, it is still argued that there should be a further review of work hours today, from the view of the factory workers then it was a great deal. A great deal that some were willing to die and actually died for.
THE AMERICAN WAVE
Deepening its reach, the eight-hour workday demand spread to other continents such as North America. In America, it sparked a remarkable and historical revolution in the late 19th century, one that climaxed on May 4, 1886.
On Saturday, May 1, 1886, thousands of workers came out to protest long work hours. A protest that would last for three more days. The protest was based on an earlier declaration on October 1884 by the then Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions, pronouncing May 1, 1886, as the set date for the start of the eight-hour workday.
The chant on that historic day was simple but firm, “Eight-hour day with no cut in pay”. The protests were characterized by strong and brilliant speeches from the likes of August Spies and Albert Parsons.
As expected, the demonstrators faced strong opposition even from law enforcement agents. This angered some of the leaders pushing them to organize a more massive protest which would later be dubbed the Haymarket Affair. It was staged in Haymarket Square, Chicago.
THE HAYMARKET AFFAIR
May 4, 1886, was the date this protest reached a climax which was a buildup of other massive protests which had been peaceful according to reports. On that day, various speakers took turns speaking to the teeming crowd. As the speeches continued, the police arrived at the scene with the sole aim of dispersing the protesters. Just as Spies and his counterparts stepped down, after trying to effortlessly convince the officers that there was nothing wrong in holding the protest, a bomb was ignited!
The bomb was ignited in the midst of the officers, killing one officer outrightly and leading to a chaotic crossfire between the police officers and the demonstrators — some of them were armed. To this day, there has been no concrete proof on who ignited the bomb; some say the demonstrators did and some argue that it was a police tactic.
Sadly, over 60 casualties were recorded that day with 7 policemen and 4 workers getting killed.
In a bid to hold someone responsible, Spies and six other men were arrested on the grounds that they masterminded the bombing. Despite no strong proof, according to this report, to indict them they were charged guilty of the crime. One of them was sentenced to 15 years in prison while the others were sentenced to death — with two having their sentences converted to life in prison. Spies and 3 others were executed on November 11, 1887.
INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY
Their sacrifices, though too great, paid off as various firms and governments in later years adopted the eight-hour workday for workers and professionals. Today, these men are remembered as the Haymarket martyrs. May 1 was adopted by the pan-national organization of socialist and communist political parties in remembrance of the Haymarket affair.
Today, this remembrance event is known as International Workers’ Day and is celebrated across various countries of the world. Though better working conditions, including work hours, still need to be provided, the 9 to 5 journey was a major step.
SUSTAINING PROGRESS
Now you know why this day is considered important by various labour unions across the world. As we celebrate workers globally and work towards a better work system, you can also improve your experience as a professional/worker with this article on how to get a pay raise; or this one on how to keep your money working even after the 9 to 5. Don’t worry monies cannot organize protests :).
Happy Workers’ Day!
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