The first Monday of September Labor Day is celebrated in the United States, this grew out of the late 19th century organized labor movement.
- On September 1882 the unions in New York City decided to have a parade to celebrate their members being in unions. At least 20,000 were there. Workers had to give up a day’s pay to attend.
- Canada also celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September.
- May 1st is known as International Workers Day by more than 80 countries. This was decided by the Second International of labor, socialist and communist parties to commemorate the general strike and events leading to the Haymarket Affair, which began as a peaceful rally in support of workers striking for an eight-hour work day. An unknown person threw a bomb at the police and ensuing gunfire resulted in the death of seven police officers and at least four civilians; dozens of others were wounded.
“Class Struggle Unionism” by Joe Burns part 3 review:
Let’s look at Class struggle unionists who believe workers should lead their own struggles. The belief in worker self-advocacy is a hallmark of class struggle unions. For every union strategy, every action proposed, we need to ask where do the workers fit within this strategy.
Class struggle unionists who are in staff positions must be prepared to fight against the pressures to conform and work to build rank and file movements and fight for union democracy.