140 years ago, in the industrial city of Chicago, the sacrifices made by workers are now overshadowed by American imperialism, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, and American President Donald Trump, who have waged war against Palestine, Gaza, and now Iran. On this May Day, we pay tribute to the workers of Chicago in 1886, hoping to achieve something by following the path they laid out, who proclaimed that rulers should let the voices of the poor be heard, or else their swords will rise.
May 1st is the International Workers' Day for laborers around the world, a day marked by rallies, processions, and seminars in memory of those workers from Chicago who risked their lives to establish an eight-hour workday. The struggle of the oppressed, laborers, and slaves has been long and arduous, spanning centuries, beginning when a few powerful individuals first drew lines on the land, claiming ownership and oppressing the weak, turning them into their slaves. It was then that class distinctions
The theories of Karl Marx were also spreading. Workers had no set hours, nor was there any law; they had to work late into the night, and in the event of accidents or death, there was no compensation. New industries were emerging in Europe, science was advancing, a network of factories was being laid out, the working class was rising and moving towards organization. The struggle began first in Britain, where workers formed unions and federations. Even before this, workers had been fighting, but Chicago was at the forefront of it all. America, where this movement was born, now roams the world as an imperial power, becoming the number one enemy of workers, spreading terrorism, plunder, arms trade, a New World Order, and dreaming of ruling over small, poor, backward, and developing countries through its commands under the IMF and World Bank. It does not realize that today, the capitalist system is not accomplishing any notable deeds for the welfare of humanity; it has reached its peak and is now in decline
Today, the global capitalist system is pushing the masses into despair in its most grotesque form, yet exactly 140 years ago, in that very imperial nation, fiery revolutionary young workers and political leaders emerged who, by staging the first complete strike in Chicago and sacrificing their precious lives, gave a new direction to the world labor movement and forever raised the banner of the working class with pride through their blood.
They boldly challenged the rulers, factory owners, capitalists, and industrialists of their time, demanding, "Oppressive rulers, grant us the right to live; we are human too! Set our working hours, increase our wages, fulfill our demands!" They were calling for the unity of workers around the world, speaking out for their rights and demands. It was the first time in history that laborers, through their solidarity, revolted and executed a complete strike. Then, on May 1, 1886, an anonymous journalist fulfilled his duty by addressing the workers on the front page of the morning newspaper, a statement that has now become part of history.
"Workers, your struggle has begun; time will determine the outcome. Move forward, continue your fight; the rulers will have to bow down. Victory and triumph will be yours. Do not lose heart, stay united; therein lies your survival and your victory." This message ignited even more passion among the laborers, leading to the demand for an eight-hour workday. The rulers, factory owners, and capitalists were displeased with this rallying cry and unity of the workers, and they responded by unleashing a barrage of bullets against them.
Blood began to flow on the streets of Chicago, the banner of peace for the laborers turned crimson with blood. The shirt of one worker became soaked in red, and they decided to adopt the blood-drenched red flag as their own, vowing not to return to work until their demands were met. The red flag would now be their emblem. At this moment, prominent labor leaders such as August Spies and Albert Parsons addressed the workers, challenging the rulers and factory owners.
Later, the working class brought about several changes through their struggle, gained concessions, and sparked a revolution in Russia. In Europe, the working hours are still 5 to 6 hours, while in our country, even today, the working hours are 12 to 16 instead of the standard 8 hours.
