The first celebration of the Labor Day took place in France in 1793. Almost one century later, the US unions planned to negociate a 8-hour working day with the corporate world and began their actions on the 1st of May. Two years later, on the 1st of May, more than 200,000 US workers finally saw their request accepted. From now on, the working day will be of 8 hours. However, all other workers started a national strike to access the same benefits.
In 1889, on the firt century anniversary of the French revolution, the French unions made a proposition for celebrating every 1st of May to implement the 8-hours working day for all workers.
Nowadays, the 1st of May is still celebrated in France, as in many other countries. Generally, the labor unions call for demonstrations in all main cities, for " a united 1st of May", for the improvement of the labor laws. In 2010, the demand of the unions and workers will concern mainly the reform of the retirement schemes, but also the general concern of the French regarding the decrease of their purchasing power, the closure of several plants and subsidiaries in France or stress in the working environment.
In France, there is a second tradition on 1st of May. On May 1st, 1561, the King Charles IX received a blade of lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He then decided to offer some to all the ladies from his court, every year, at the same date. Today, we still gift each other some of these flowers to bring luck and happiness to our families and friends.
