International Labor Day, also called May or International Workers' Day, is an annual celebration that marks the difficulties and achievements of workers and the Labor Movement worldwide. It is observed worldwide on May 1 and is a public holiday in most countries.
The holidays have its foundations in North America. In May 1886, a violent repression against the demonstrators in Chicago – known as the Haymarket Affair – experienced many deaths and injuries after a peaceful rally in favor of workers hitting an eight -hour working day.
This led to the second international in Paris by calling for demonstrations which are held in his memory four years later.
At the end of the 19th century, many European countries were inspired and May 1 had become a global phenomenon.
In Europe, events vary in size and in shape, national celebrations for business on a smaller scale. This year was no different, because many demonstrations calling for the increase in workers' rights took place in major European capitals, here is an overview.
France
Thousands of people participated in national demonstrations, provided by unions across the country. More than 10,000 people participated in rallies organized in Paris.
Police escaped demonstrators in the capital on Thursday.
The sparks broke out when demonstrators went through activists from the Socialist Party who were invited to leave the demonstration, including a deputy, Jerome Guedj.
Thousands of people attended rallies and demonstrations, calling for higher protections for workers, higher wages and greater equality.
The demonstrations took place in a context of political instability in the country, where a party impasse and a historic parliamentary vote that ousted the previous government in December left the country without a functional government for weeks.
Spain
Solidaridad, the party workers 'union on the far right Vox and the traditional workers' unions organized parallel demonstrations in Madrid for the Labor Day.
Solidaridad held the rally with the party leader, Santiago Abascal in one of the workers' areas in the Madrid region, Fuenlabrada, to defend the rights of workers.
They wore Spanish flags and criticized the government as well as the recent breakdown on Monday.
“The work in Spain is bad, several hours, a low salary. Life becomes more expensive, and the government does nothing,” said Andreu Barba, gardener.
Meanwhile, traditional workers' unions such as UGT (General Workers Union) and CCOO (Workers Commission) organized a gathering in the city center, where they called for the continuation of improved working conditions and a reduction in the working day.
ADVERTISEMENTGreece
Thousands of workers gathered in the Athens center on Thursday to mark the occasion.
Several workers' unions have organized a rally outside the parliament building, waving flags and singing anti-government slogans.
Student Foteini Douli said it was important to think and remember.
“Of course, we are here to honor the Labor Day, which, after many struggles and with a lot of effort, workers have managed to reach the eight-hour day, working conditions and the others,” she said.
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