May 1: A Day to Celebrate Workers and Their Struggles

Origins of International Workers Day

International Workers Day, also known as Labour Day in some countries, has its roots in the late 19th century. In 1889, an international group of socialist organizers and trade unions designated May 1 as May Day to celebrate laborers and the working classes.

The United States and May Day

In 1894, US President Grover Cleveland declared May 1 a holiday to honor American workers. However, in the midst of the Cold War, President Eisenhower signed a resolution in 1958 naming May 1 Loyalty Day in an effort to distance the United States from the socialist connotations of May Day.

A Day to Commemorate and Celebrate

Despite the political controversies surrounding May Day, it remains a day to commemorate the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement. In many countries, May 1 is an official holiday marked by parades, rallies, and speeches.