May 1st, International Workers’ Day, originates from the Haymarket Square Strike from Chicago, USA, in 1886. May 3rd, 1886, was the date of a large strike in Chicago where workers demonstrated for an eight-hour workday. Two workers were shot by police. The strike continued to May 4th, 1886, when the demonstration was bombed as police sought to break up the striking workers. Police returned fire, wounding more workers. Eight anarchists were charged for the Haymarket bombing. Samuel Gompers of the American Federation of Labor communicated the events in Chicago to the Second International, which in 1890 led to the founding of May Day, or the May 1st International Workers’ Day.
The first Monday in September has been known as Labor Day in the United States officially since 1894. The first September Labor Day was recognized by Oregon in 1887. Conservative labor leaders and the establishment within the United States sought to break the connection to May 1st International Workers’ Day. Labor Day within the United States is now known more for the end of summer, a time for promotions for retail sales, and the return of students for the school year. The Labor United Educational League supports our brothers and sisters across all working trades this Labor Day in 2026 and gives our solidarity to the working class in our country, not forgetting the struggles of the Haymarket Strike and International Workers’ Day.
