Today marks May 1, International Labor Day

Each year, on May 1st, workers from all parts of the globe go out on the streets to express solidarity and to seek improved working conditions, including reasonable working hours, fair wages and job safety.

This day originated with protests from 1885 in Australia, where workers demanded an eight - hour working time, a requirement that would become a symbol of workers ' rights. The engine of this protest was: “8 hours of work, 8 hours off, 8 hours of sleep”, a motto that continues to be important to this day. Part of the history of this movement is the Haymarket revolt in Chicago in 1886, where workers sought their rights and protested better working conditions. The protest turned into tragedy when, at its height, 11 people lost their lives after a bloody massacre.

In Europe, May 1 was originally associated with traditional rural farmers' holidays, but later this day took on a new dimension, becoming a symbol of the modern work movement. The decision to announce 1 May as International Workers' Day was made in 1891 in Brussels, and since then it has been known worldwide.

In many states, 1 May has been declared official holiday and it is an opportunity for workers to join, express their demands, and celebrate the achievements of the union movement for more rights and equal job opportunities. Workers ' day is a constant reminder of the force of unity and the need to improve working conditions worldwide. /Periscopi/