May Day rallies demand improved pay and conditions

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - It’s the first day of May, or May Day.

May Day has come to be recognized as International Workers' Day, which means rallies worldwide from workers fighting for better conditions and better pay. 

USA Today states that on May 1, 1886, more than 340,000 American workers walked out of their jobs in support of the eight-hour work day, which was proposed by the American Federation of Labor two years prior. After two days, activists organized a union action at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Chicago, and during this protest, police intimidated and ultimately beat the strikers, resulting in the death of at least six people.

Then, on May 4, 1886, a rally was held at Chicago's Haymarket Square. This protest was meant to be non-violent, but violence took place, and several civilians were killed at the hands of police, and dozens were injured. In 1889, labor advocates deemed May 1 as International Workers' Day, or May Day.

Over 1,100 protests against President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are scheduled worldwide for Thursday. Here in Massachusetts, protests are planned across the state. 

In Springfield, activists plan to stand out at the post office on Main Street beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Massachusetts Nurses Association told 22News they'll be picketing outside of Baystate Medical Center, located at 759 Chestnut Street, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. That comes as another round of layoffs was announced at the hospital this week.