May Day or Labour Day has its origins in America when the Federation of Organised Trades and
Labour Unions in 1884 started agitating against harsh working conditions.
Working hours were severe and it was quite common to work 10 to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions. Death and injury were common at many work places and inspired the writing of books such as Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" and Jack London's "The Iron Heel".
Working hours were severe and it was quite common to work 10 to 16 hours a day in unsafe conditions. Death and injury were common at many work places and inspired the writing of books such as Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" and Jack London's "The Iron Heel".
