International Workers Day, held every year on May 1, is a celebration of workers’ rights, social justice, equity and democracy.

Founded by socialists in the late 19th century, the date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, when police fired on workers who were striking to establish the eight hour work day. In a majority of countries throughout the world, tens of millions of workers and labour unions participate in parades and other events calling for economic justice, global solidarity and workers’ empowerment.