May 1

Eight-hour day demonstration in Chicago and other cities begins tradition of May Day as international labor holiday – 1886

Also on this date: Mary Harris “Mother” Jones born in County Cork, Ireland. Cigar makers in Cincinnati warn there could be a strike if factory owners continue to insist that they pay for their own heat. Cooks’ and Waiters’ Union strikes in San Francisco. Mother Jones’ 100th birthday celebrated. New York City’s Empire State Building officially opens. Construction involved 3,400 workers, mostly immigrants from Europe, and hundreds of Mohawk iron workers. Congress enacts amendments to the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, extending protections to the employees of state and local governments. Federal minimum wage rises to $2.00 per hour. International Molders & Allied Workers Union merges with Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers. Woodworkers of America International merges with International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers. International Leather Goods, Plastics & Novelty Workers Union merges with Service Employees International Union. Rallies in cities across the U.S. for what organizers call “A Day Without Immigrants.” .

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