TASS-FACTBOX. On May 1, Spring and Labor Day is celebrated annually in Russia. In accordance with the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, this day is a non-working day. The holiday received its current name in 1992. In Soviet times, it was officially called the Day of the International, and then the International Day of Workers' Solidarity.
May 1, 1886: Workers in Chicago, Illinois, organized a large-scale strike demanding an eight-hour workday. In response, factory owners dismissed the striking workers. On May 3, the dismissed workers attempted to prevent new employees from entering the factory, leading to clashes with the police. One person was killed, and several others were injured. On May 4, anarchist leaders organized a mass demonstration in protest against police brutality. During the demonstration, an explosive device was thrown at the police, resulting in the deaths of seven officers. The police opened fire on the crowd, killing between four and six people and injuring over 100 others. Many were arrested, and four were later executed. In memory of these events, the second International Congress held in Paris in 1889 declared May 1 as International Workers' Day.
1890: supporters of left-wing parties and movements began celebrating May Day in Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the US, France, Sweden, and other countries. In 1891, following a decision by the Brussels Congress of the Second International, the organization’s sections in each country were granted the right to independently determine the date and form of the celebration. From then on, Britain and some other countries shifted their celebrations to the first Sunday in May.
