May 1st (International Workers’ Day) is Labor Day. An annual celebration in many countries around the world dedicated to the transition to an 8-hour workday. This happened at the end of the 19th century. The feature of the “Labor Day” holiday is that it is celebrated at different times of the year in many countries.
May 1st – Labor Day. What We Celebrate and Why
Until 1856, workers and employees worldwide worked irregular hours, approximately 10 to 15 hours a day. Due to high mortality rates at workplaces caused by such long hours, the question of reducing working hours arose.
The eight-hour workday was not chosen randomly. For industrial enterprises with continuous operation cycles, 8 hours a day helps optimize the process. Dividing 24 hours into 8-hour shifts results in exactly 3 shifts. This is convenient for both factory owners and workers.
The reason for the emergence of the “Labor Day” holiday on May 1st was strikes in Australia. In 1886, workers managed to “win” the coveted 8-hour workday for themselves. Similar events took place around the world. In the USA, for example, the rebellion was suppressed with particular brutality. The United States finally achieved an 8-hour workday only in September 1894. That is why Labor Day is celebrated in the USA on the first Monday of September.
Why the holiday on May 1st is not celebrated in all countries
For an entire century, the 8-hour workday was almost universal. But with the advent of crises, people began to increase their working hours to earn more. As a result, in more than 35 countries around the world, the working day increased to 10-12 hours. Therefore, the relevance of the “Labor Day” holiday diminished.
However, in many countries of Eastern Europe and Eurasia, May 1st is considered a major holiday associated with warm days and comfortable outdoor recreation. People go out with their families and large groups into the forest, to the sea, or out of town. They gather at dachas, discuss recent news, play ball, eat barbecue, and drink alcoholic beverages in lively and cheerful companies.