May 1 is International Workers’ Day. On this day, people in many countries around the world celebrate workers’ achievements and march in the streets demanding fair pay and better working conditions.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises.

Why do we need International Workers’ Day?

International Workers’ Day is a celebration of working people and a day when people campaign for decent work and fair pay. Thanks to action taken by workers over many years, millions of people have won fundamental rights and protections. Minimum wages have been established, there are limits on working hours, and people have the right to paid holidays and sick pay.

However, in recent years, working conditions in many situations have got worse. Since the global financial crisis of 2008, part-time, short-term and badly paid work has become more common, and state pensions are at risk. We have also seen the rise of the ‘gig economy’, where companies hire workers casually for one short job at a time. These workers don’t have the usual rights to paid holidays, the minimum wage or redundancy pay. Solidarity with other workers is as important as ever.   

How is Workers’ Day celebrated now?

Celebrations and protests take place in different ways in different countries around the world. May 1 is a public holiday in countries such as South Africa, Tunisia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and China. In many countries, including France, Greece, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States, there are demonstrations on International Workers’ Day.

Workers’ Day is a day for working people to have a rest from their usual labour. It is an opportunity to campaign for workers’ rights, show solidarity with other working people and to celebrate the achievements of workers all over the world.