The first May Day was celebrated on May 1, 1886 and is still celebrated in various areas throughout the globe as International Workers’ Day. The Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor) first proclaimed that “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1, 1886.” The following year, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, backed by many Knights of Labor locals, reiterated its proclamation stating that it would be supported by strikes and demonstrations.
