This year 1 May marks the 135th International Workers’ Day.
The original call for workers’ demonstrations around the world on 1 May was made in July 1889 at the International Socialist Workers Congress in Paris. 1 May was chosen to mark the 1886 ‘Haymarket Massacre’. During a general strike in Chicago demanding an eight-hour day, a bombing took place that resulted in a frame-up trial and, in 1887, the execution of four workers’ leaders and activists on “conspiracy” charges. Such was the success of the 1890 May Day that in 1891 another international congress decided it should become an annual event.
The original aim of May Day was to show the strength of the workers’ movement, draw a balance sheet of its recent experiences and to re-affirm its resistance to capitalism and war, its fighting spirit and objective of socialism.
If you would like to celebrate 1 May, for London the details for the march and rally are here: https://www.londonmayday.org/
Check local trades councils if there is one in a town near you also if you’re not near London.
If you want to join Napo, some will meet 12noon at the entrance/steps to Marx Memorial Library on Clerkenwell Green, look out for Napo flags. Let Annoesjka know if you are coming along also via avalent@napo.org.uk