Happy International Workers’ Day, although you probably know it as “May Day.” It grew out of a movement in the late 19th century IN THE U.S. Some people think it began in Cuba or the old Soviet Union or another communist country, but this is pure AMERICAN. People united to gain basic workers’ rights, like cutting their work-day in half, from as much as 16 hours to 8, and instituting health and safety measures to counter the horrendous working conditions, thus preventing the large numbers of job-related injuries and deaths that were occurring. It was a hard-fought battle against the rich and powerful big companies, but American workers prevailed, earning themselves safer, healthier lives and the ability to spend time with their families without being sick or totally exhausted. Today, then, we celebrate a great step forward for our country, honoring and protecting our workers.
