May Day, is always a special for Labours, as its celebration for International Worker’s Day. It was in 1886, in Chicago, Labours called for a strike to make work day as eight hours, which previously varies from 10 to 12 hours. The strike got its ignition when several workers were shot by the Chicago Police. The loss of lives has got its meaning when the strike succeeds. This Success has then spread across the world as Eight Hour work day.
Ok, Thats the history. Now, Lets come down to reality, The Economic Downturn, has forced all companies from east to west, to start extract their max output from the labour (having lay off as an Weapon), and worker was no more bonded to Eight hours myth. Companies which had a formal 8 hour policies, extends it by various loopholes around the policies & focussing more on deliveries.
Though the essence of May Day is completely lost, except for the holiday to spare, Lets take a minute to remember those who has given their life for us to live happily and work effectively.
Ref : Siruvar Malar, Anantha Vikatan, WikiPedia
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