May Day
May Day is most often associated with the commemoration of the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. The 1 May date is used because in 1884 the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, inspired by Labor’s 1872 success in Canada, demanded an eight-hour workday in the United States, to come in effect as of May 1, 1886. This resulted in the general strike and the U.S. Haymarket Riot of 1886, but eventually also in the official sanction of the eight-hour workday. (Taken from the internet)
And from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, mayday means “help me, an international radiotelephone signal word used as a distress call, to introduce a distress message, or by distress traffic”
So it means different things to different people in different circumstances.
It’s not just another day.
God be with us.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”- Hebrews 11:6
2010 marks the 154th anniversary of the Eight Hour Day in Victoria. Action taken by stonemasons on 21 April 1856 led to the establishment and maintenance of the Eight Hour Day, recognised internationally as a world first.The British Factory Act of 1833 limited the work day for children in factories. Those aged 9-13 could work only eight hours, 14-18 12 hours. Children under 9 were required to attend school,another Brit first there is an 888 monument near Melbourne Uni and the trades hall from memory.
May Day certainly does mean different things to different people — and we love you guys. Your only American friends.