Blood, Sweat, and Solidarity
The Untold Story of Labor Day
The Importance of Remembering Labor History
The memory of events is often lost in the past, but discovering our roots is essential for a better approach to the present and future. Work is a fundamental dimension of the human condition and remains a central part of our lives. While work has led to tremendous economic development worldwide, it has also been the basis of intolerable human suffering and unsafe working conditions. From the beginning of the nineteenth century, the idea emerged that the harsh lot of the toiling masses needed to be improved and that international labor legislation should be created.
The Birth of “The Three Eights” in the United States
The push for an eight-hour workday started in the United States. On May 1, 1886, a strike broke out in Chicago, causing turmoil throughout the city. Congressmen called for a law prohibiting workers from working more than eight hours daily. The official organizing body for this event, which would take on an international character, was called “The Three Eights"—eight hours of work, eight hours of rest, and eight hours of learning and cultivating one’s body. The goal was to impose on employers a limit of the working day to eight hours for all laborers, workers, artisans, and employees.
The Strike, 1886
Union pressure on May 1, 1886, enabled about 200,000 American workers to obtain the eight-hour day, while another 340,000 went on strike. On May 3, a protest march at the McCormick Harvester Company in Chicago left three strikers dead. The following day, a bomb exploded in Haymarket Square in front of the police, killing about fifteen officers. Martial law was declared, and eight anarchists were arrested. Three were sentenced to life imprisonment, while five were hanged on November 11, 1886, despite uncertain evidence. The last words of one of the condemned men, Augustin Spies, are inscribed on a headstone in Waldheim Cemetery:
“The day will come when
Our silence will be more powerful
Than the voices you strangle today.”
Augustin Spies — cimetière de Waldheim — Chicago, Le 1er mai 1891 — Fourmies, France
The Struggle Spreads to Europe In Fourmies, France, on May 1, 1891, a workers’ demonstration turned tragic when police fired at point-blank range on the crowd, killing ten people. This drama further rooted May Day in the European workers’ struggle tradition. Workers’ struggles and repression were bloody in both the United States and Europe.
May Day became an official holiday in France and many other European countries. The strikes, called May Day strikes, became popular and were well-attended. However, it was not until 1941 that May Day was recognized as Labor Day and given the title of a public holiday. Rooted in the heart of the labor movement, Labor Day is celebrated with great fanfare around the world, although this is not the case in every country.
The Ongoing Fight for Workers’ Rights
The history of Labor Day and the workers’ struggle is one of hard-fought battles, sacrifices, and incremental gains. As we remember the past and honor those who fought for better working conditions, it is crucial to recognize that fighting for workers’ rights is an ongoing process. By understanding our roots and the significant stages of the workers’ struggle, we can continue to strive for a future where all workers are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Remembering Labor History is Crucial
Labor history is essential for several reasons. It provides a sense of identity and continuity, linking the present to the past, and reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices made by workers in pursuit of fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize. It also highlights the power of collective action, as when workers unite, they can effect significant change and challenge the status quo. Understanding labor history can inform current debates about workers’ rights and labor laws, providing context and helping us see these issues as part of a larger narrative of labor relations. Finally, remembering labor history can inspire future generations to continue fighting for workers’ rights, reminding them that progress is possible and every worker deserves dignity, respect, and fair treatment. By remembering and learning from labor history, we can advocate for workers’ rights and strive for a more equitable society.
