May 1 Worker’s Day Türkiye, Germany and India Examples
May 1 is a day celebrated as Labor Day all over the world. So where is the basis of this day? What exactly is the importance and meaning of today for the people of the world? What are the ways nations understand and celebrate today? I want to examine this in this article. For this, I selected 3 sample countries; The first is my own country, Turkiye, the second is Germany, the largest populated country in Europe, where countless workers and immigrants live in relatively good conditions, and India, the second most populous country in the world, a country where workers and laborers have to work for very cheap wages. I will compare the conditions of workers in these three countries and briefly summarize how they perceive May 1.
May 1 is a holiday celebrated as the day of unity, solidarity and struggle of the international working class. Its origin dates back to the late 19th century. It emerged at a time when the working class was struggling with demands for better working conditions, shorter working hours and the right to a decent life. It is first remembered with a major strike and mass protest that took place in the city of Chicago in the United States in 1886. Workers demanded better working conditions, especially demanding that the daily working hours be set at 8 hours. During these protests, there were clashes with the police and many workers lost their lives or were injured as a result of the events. After these events, at the meeting of the Second International in 1889, it was decided to celebrate May 1 as an international workers’ day. From that date on, May 1st was considered an important day and began to be celebrated around the world under the leadership of workers and left-wing people.
In Turkey, May 1 is celebrated with various events to express the demands of the working class and draw attention to workers’ rights. However, May 1 in Turkey has also witnessed some controversial events in its history. May 1st has an important place in Turkey with the events that resulted in a massive massacre in Taksim Square (the most central location of Istanbul) in 1977. At that time, many people lost their lives and were injured as a result of attacks on workers and union representatives gathered in Taksim Square. These events have been a factor that prevented the celebration of May 1 in Turkey for many years. All May 1sts between 1977 and 2010 were celebrated in different places, and until 2010, no one could celebrate in Taksim Square. The events that took place in 1977 were a result of the political conjuncture of the period, Turkey was in a very difficult period and political events were out of control. Almost every day 50–60 people died and thousands were injured. The massacre that took place in this environment deeply affected workers’ consciousness and action practice in Turkey and changed the way May 1 was celebrated. From this date on, May 1 began to be perceived as a street war (with the police) or protest day in Turkey, rather than as a festival or holiday day.
In recent years, May 1 in Turkey has been celebrated with events led by unions that draw attention to workers’ rights, working conditions and other social justice issues. Labor unions and non-governmental organizations usually organize rallies, marches and express their demands on May 1. However, security measures are generally kept high and celebrations in Taksim Square are often prevented unless permission is obtained. However, May 1 celebrations continue with various events in various cities and regions of Turkey. Celebrations are organized by labor unions and May 1st is celebrated not only in Istanbul but also in other major cities of Turkey such as Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Diyarbakır, Kocaeli and Bursa.
In Germany, May 1 is usually celebrated with large rallies, demonstrations, concerts, picnics and various events. Labor unions, non-governmental organizations and political parties come together to draw attention to workers’ rights, improve working conditions and emphasize social justice. Large rallies, often attended by thousands of people, are held in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne and other major cities. Leaders of unions and political figures give speeches and emphasize workers’ rights, social security and equality. May 1 is considered a public holiday in Germany, and many workplaces and institutions close this day as a holiday. However, many individuals and families use this day to relax, have fun, and spend time together. Additionally, various cultural events and entertaining events are organized in the festival areas. Germany is a country that generally has a solid social security system for workers and laws protecting workers’ rights, so May 1st, which generally takes place in peace and tranquility, is literally experienced as a festival.
Unlike Turkey, workers celebrate the day with their families and participate in various activities. In this context, we can say that workers working under better conditions than the rest of the world celebrate their holidays in a better environment. In Germany, there is a legal working day of approximately 40 hours per week. However, in most workplaces, this period may vary depending on the contracts made between the employee and the employer. Additionally, labor laws in Germany provide workers with the right to rest for at least 24 hours per week. Wages often vary depending on the job sector and position. There is a minimum wage law in Germany and employers cannot pay a wage below this minimum wage. In addition, in Germany, workers’ rights to form unions and participate in union activities are legally guaranteed. Unions play an active role in defending workers’ rights, improving working conditions and representing workers in collective bargaining negotiations. Turkey offers such rights to workers in this regard, but unfortunately, workers’ access to these rights is not as easy and accessible as workers in Germany. In India, which is another example, the situation is even worse than in Turkey. Now let’s focus on that and summarize the situation of Indian workers.
India has one of the largest and most diverse workforces in the world. However, the situation of workers in India is quite complex. Many workers are forced to work for low wages, especially in rural areas, in sectors such as agriculture and construction. This is a major problem for many workers struggling to make ends meet. Many workers work in precarious working conditions, that is, without legal protection and social rights. Those who work in temporary, contract or seasonal jobs often face this situation. Also, unfortunately, child labor is still a problem in India. Children are often deprived of their right to education by being forced to work in heavy and dangerous work. On the other hand, although women increase their participation in the workforce, they still work for low wages and in precarious conditions in many sectors. They may also face issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination. May 1 is not a public holiday in India and is generally not celebrated as widely as in other countries. However, various events are organized by labor unions, non-governmental organizations and some political parties. The manner and extent of celebration of May 1 in India may vary across different regions and states of the country. Larger events are held in major cities and industrial centers, while celebrations may be more limited in rural areas and smaller settlements. Workers do not live in good and prosperous conditions, and they do not even have the right to celebrate May 1st fully. In this context, the difference in living standards stands out when comparing these three countries.
Unfortunately, the living standards of a worker in Germany are 2–3 times higher than the living standards of a worker in Türkiye and India. This difference in quality standards between countries actually occurs in direct proportion to their development. It is extremely necessary for workers to live under better conditions and to enjoy May 1 and all other days in prosperity and peace. It is said that workers’ rights are protected around the world through various legal regulations, international standards and social movements, but this is only the case in western developed countries. Unfortunately, the rights and standards of workers in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America are far from those of workers in Europe and the USA.
