by Naomi Morris
Protesters marched throughout London today, calling for trade union rights and international solidarity in a commemoration of May Day, or International Workers’ Day.
In previous years, outbreaks of violence and looting were linked to May Day protests, but in more recent times the event has become more peaceful.
Today’s commemoration started at Clerkenwell Green at 12:00 pm, where workers carrying posters and placards marched for their rights, arriving in Trafalgar Square at roughly 2:30 pm.
Speakers included the RMT union’s Mick Cash, who spoke in honour of Union General Secretary Bob Crow and Labour Stalwart Tony Benn.
Tony Lennon, chief steward of the committee, said: “This year’s London May Day presents a huge opportunity for the trade unions and the community to both pay tribute to the massive contribution made by Bob Crow and Tony Benn to the fight for workers’ rights, and to send out a clear message that the battle goes on,” the BBC reported.
When is International workers Day?
International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day or May Day, takes place all over the world – including London, Edinburgh and Glasgow in the UK.
Every year this celebration takes place on the 1st of May, which is why it’s also known as May Day. This year was not on a bank holiday, as the date fell on a Tuesday.
Other countries, however, celebrate “Labor Day” on a different day. For example, the USA celebrates on the first Monday in September – which is always a bank holiday.
How did May Day originate?
This holiday began in the late 19th century in Chicago, on May 4Th, 1886. It was intended to commemorate the Haymarket Affair, when workers went on strike asking for an eight-hour day but were bombed the next day following a peaceful demonstration where they asked for their rights.
Nowadays, 34 countries around the world celebrate a workers’ day on May 1st .
What does this day mean in the UK?
- Better pay, fair pay
- Solidarity for workers everywhere
- The elimination of discrimination in employment
“If any man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar, if any man tells you he trust America yet fears labor he is a fool.”
Abraham Lincoln
May day is also known as a celebration of the first day of summer, dating back to the Gaelic festival. The beginning of summer now, however, is commemorated on June 1st.
Leave a Reply