Every May 1st, “El Día del Trabajador,” also known in the United States as Labor Day, is celebrated in many countries. It is a very important date for millions of people around the world. This day recognizes the value of work, commemorates the struggles of workers of the past, and calls for a more just future for all.

Why is it celebrated on May 1st?

Even though in the USA it is celebrated on the first Monday of September, in Spain, we celebrate “El Día del Trabajador” on May 1st, “el uno de mayo.” The origin of this celebration is in the United States, dating back to 1886. At that time, many people worked more than 10 hours a day, even up to 14 hours. Conditions were very harsh, “muy duras,” with low wages and no rights. Therefore, workers began to organize to demand improvements, “mejoras.”

On May 1st, 1886, in the city of Chicago, thousands of people went on strike, “en huelga.” They wanted an eight-hour workday. The following days saw protests and clashes with the police. On May 4th, a very sad event occurred: a demonstration ended with deaths and injuries. This event is known as the Haymarket Riot.

Although it was a tragedy, this struggle marked the beginning of many changes. Years later, in 1889, it was decided that May 1st would be Labor Day. Since then, many countries have celebrated it every year.

What do we do on this day?

May 1st is a public holiday (“festivo”) in many places, like Spain, meaning most people don’t work. But it’s not just a day of rest. In many cities, there are marches (“manifestaciones”), rallies, and public events organized by unions and workers’ associations.

During these activities, people discuss very important issues such as:

• “Mejores condiciones laborales” > Better working conditions

• “Sueldos más justos” > Fairer wages

• “Seguridad en el trabajo” > Security at work

• “Igualdad entre hombres y mujeres” > Equality between men and women

• “Protección de los derechos de los trabajadores” > Protection of workers’ rights

New problems are also discussed. For example, many people work on temporary contracts, without vacation time (“vacaciones”) or social security coverage (“seguridad social”). Others work from home, but without a clear schedule, which can cause stress or fatigue.

Work currently

Today, the world of work has changed a lot, and Spain is on the list of countries that have made a step forward. Thanks to technology, new jobs have emerged. Many people also work remotely, from home. But despite these changes, many inequalities remain.

In some countries, children still work. In other words, women earn less than men for the same work. Furthermore, many people cannot find a job, even though they try hard to find one. Therefore, “El Día del Trabajador” also serves as a reminder that there is much room for improvement.

A day for those who work

This day is also an opportunity to appreciate the daily work of many people. Thanks to them, society functions: nurses (“enfermeros o enfermeras”), teachers (“maestros o maestras”), farmers (“granjeros o granjeras”), drivers (“conductores o conductoras”), and more. All jobs are important.

It’s also a good time to thank those who do invisible or under-recognized work, such as domestic work or caring for the elderly. These jobs are very necessary, although they are sometimes unseen.

And, of course, it’s also a day to show solidarity with those who are unemployed. The right to work is a fundamental right, as outlined in the Spanish Constitution, and everyone should have the opportunity to live with dignity.

“El Día del Trabajador” is not just a day off. It’s a day to remember history, defend labor rights, and think about a more just future. It’s also a time to appreciate the daily efforts of millions of people who, through their work, make the world function.

AUTHOR: MARIA PILAR CASABÁN
PHOTO: Marc Mueller

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