International Workers' Day
Todays' Google Doodle is dedicated to International Workers's Day!
On May 1st, the workers' day is celebrated. It is in fact the established celebration of the rebellion of Chicago workers, which was one of the top moments of class struggle in the new era. In May 1886, labor unions in Chicago were rallied by claiming working hours at 8 hours and better working conditions. It is also celebrated as a Day of Flowers and Spring. The day has been established as a labor strike and all services and businesses remain closed. More about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Worker...
May Day in Greece
In 1892 the first May gathering in Greece was held by the Socialist Association of Kallergis. In 1893, 2,000 workers protested by calling for eight hours, Sunday holidays and state insurance for the victims of industrial accidents. In 1894, there was a large gathering with the same demands that ended with 10 arrests and in August follows the arrest of socialist Stavros Kallergis.
In 1936 we have the smokers of Thessaloniki. The events began around February, with the occupation of a factory after the rejection of workers' demands and continued with the support of smokers from other factories. Both the police and the army used it against them. There was no central concentration, but small gatherings with speakers in different parts of the city. In a concentration at the crossing of Egnatia and Venizelos, gendarmes shot and killed 7-8 workers. At this point the smoker's monument has been set up. With shots, they tried to disperse the other concentrations and we had at least 12 dead and 300 injured in total. The murders of the workers were the inspiration of Ritsos for the "Epitaph".
It is noted that in Kessariani on May 1, 1944, the Labor Day first coincided with the cowardly execution of 200 Greek communists and left fighters, who were transferred to the Kesariani Rangefire from the Chaidari camp by the German occupation forces. The same day is a day of historical honor and memory.
Recent Comments
12
You should go to Moscow to really rock the party Rebecca. Here is the scoop on last years celebration! http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/2016/05/thousands_march_in_moscows_red_square_for_may_day_rally
It is the same here in Lithuania and all came from the Russian u underground many many many years ago !
Hi Reanne, Thank you for sharing! the emancipation and self-awareness of blue collar workers is of an immense importance for a decent culture in which there is no gain obtained at the expense of vulnerable part of society.
Have a great day! over there in Greece - Henriette!
See more comments
Well, my country still didn't make it to the 8 hours workday yet. Most work between 8 1/2 hours to 9 hours a day. Earlier this year we voted to increase the retirement age for women from 62 to 65 years. It was accepted by a large majority of the population. I guess the next step will be a retirement at 67 for men and women.
Thanks for sharing this historical facts with us Rebecca.
This is true, Eric! Here in Greece, they want us to work 10 hours and to get paid for 4! It is awful but I am not talking about this! I am just sharing historical facts in order to learn something new or to remember how things used to be or should be!