May Day 2026: history, accidents and work transformations
Stefania Filetti, General Secretary of the CGIL of Varese, retraces the history of May Day and analyzes the data on workplace accidents in the province.
Contesto
In brief - The first of May celebrates workers, not work. - In 1886, in Chicago, six workers died during a strike for an eight-hour workday. - In Italy, the first of May was celebrated clandestinely during fascism. ## Key facts - What: International Workers' Day - When: 1889 (Second International Socialist), 1886 (Chicago strike) - Where: Varese, Italy - Who: Stefania Filetti, CGIL Varese - Amount: 416,900 work-related injury reports nationwide in 2025 On the eve of May Day 2026, Stefania Filetti, general secretary of CGIL Varese, retraced the historical origins of International Workers' Day. The holiday, born in 1889 during the Second International Socialist in Paris, has deep roots in the decades of the industrial revolution. Working conditions at the time were harsh: fourteen, sixteen hours a day, one day of weekly rest, child labor, unsanitary environments, and insufficient wages. These factors led to the awareness of the importance of work and fair compensation. The most recalled historical event is that of Chicago in 1886, where the workers' movement pushed for a general strike on May 1st to obtain an eight-hour workday. That protest ended tragically: six workers died on the day of the strike, and the repression in the following days was heavy. From that moment, the events of Chicago reached an international level, and May 1st was established as a symbol of the struggle for dignified work. In Italy, May 1st was celebrated for the first time in Turin in 1890. The eight-hour workday was achieved with the national contract of metalworkers in 1919. During fascism, May 1st was suppressed and replaced with April 21st, the feast of Rome. However, the holiday continued to be celebrated clandestinely, displaying red sheets. Workplace safety returns every year as a cen...
Dettagli operativi
Analysis of work transformations Work transformations are a crucial topic for cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy. The introduction of artificial intelligence is changing many sectors, and workers must adapt to new technologies and work methods. This can have a significant impact on workplace safety and the quality of life of workers. ### The impact of artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing many sectors, from industry to healthcare, from finance to education. Workers must be trained to use these new technologies safely and effectively. This requires a significant investment in training and professional development. ### The salary issue The salary issue is another important topic. Salaries must be adequate for living conditions and the cost of living, which can vary significantly between Ticino and Italy. Cross-border workers must be aware of their rights and opportunities for salary improvement. ### Pirate contracts Pirate contracts are an increasing problem. These contracts often do not comply with labor regulations and can put workers' safety and health at risk. It is important that workers are aware of their rights and current regulations. ### Workplace safety Workplace safety is a central issue. INAIL 2025 data shows an increase in workplace accidents. This requires greater commitment from employers to ensure safe and healthy working conditions. Workers must be trained and informed about risks and preventive measures. ### The importance of participation Participation in May Day demonstrations is a way for workers to make their voices heard and fight for dignified work. It is important that workers join and actively participate in demonstrations to make their voices heard and demand improvements in workin...
Punti chiave
What to do to improve working conditions To improve working conditions, a joint effort is needed from employers, workers, and institutions. Here are some concrete actions that can be taken: 1. Training and professional development: Workers must be trained to use new technologies safely and effectively. This requires a significant investment in training and professional development. 2. Improvement of working conditions: Employers must ensure safe and healthy working conditions. This requires constant commitment and investment in safety and prevention. 3. Compliance with labor regulations: Pirate contracts must be avoided. Workers must be aware of their rights and the regulations in force. 4. Active participation: Workers must actively participate in demonstrations and initiatives to improve working conditions. 5. Dialogue and collaboration: It is important that employers, workers, and institutions collaborate to improve working conditions. ### Use the available tools For cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy, it is important to use the available tools to improve their working conditions. For example, the salary calculator can help calculate your net salary and compare it with working conditions in Ticino. Additionally, you can use the permit comparator to compare working conditions in different Swiss cantons. ### Participate in demonstrations Participation in the May Day demonstrations is a way for workers to make their voices heard and fight for decent work. It is important that workers join and actively participate in demonstrations to make their voices heard and demand improvements in working conditions. ### Conclusion May Day is an important day to reflect on working conditions and fight for decent work. Workers must be aware of their ri...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is the origin of May Day?","a":"May Day was born in 1889 during the Second International Socialist Conference in Paris, but its roots go back to the decades of the Industrial Revolution. Working conditions at the time were harsh, with fourteen to sixteen-hour days, only one day of weekly rest, child labor, unsanitary environments, and insufficient wages."},{"q":"What happened in Chicago in 1886?","a":"In 1886, in Chicago, the labor movement pushed for a general strike on May 1st to achieve an eight-hour workday. That protest ended tragically: six workers died on the day of the strike, and the repression in the following days was severe."},{"q":"How was May Day celebrated in Italy during Fascism?","a":"During Fascism, May 1st was suppressed and replaced with April 21st, the feast of Rome. However, the celebration continued to be held clandestinely, displaying red sheets."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the origin of May Day?
- May Day was born in 1889 during the Second International Socialist Conference in Paris, but its roots go back to the decades of the Industrial Revolution. Working conditions at the time were harsh, with fourteen to sixteen-hour days, only one day of weekly rest, child labor, unsanitary environments, and insufficient wages.
- What happened in Chicago in 1886?
- In 1886, in Chicago, the labor movement pushed for a general strike on May 1st to achieve an eight-hour workday. That protest ended tragically: six workers died on the day of the strike, and the repression in the following days was severe.
- How was May Day celebrated in Italy during Fascism?
- During Fascism, May 1st was suppressed and replaced with April 21st, the feast of Rome. However, the celebration continued to be held clandestinely, displaying red sheets.