Editorial: We hope Labour Day brought new meaning to your work lives

On Friday, we joined the world in celebrating the International Labour Day. Yes, even the SundayMag team was not left out. Though many may not attach much significance to this day, it really is an important step in recognition of all workers and the work they do. Labour Day, according to wikipedia a free encyclopedia, which partly traces its origins to the eight-hour day movement or 40-hour week movement, also known as the short-time movement. This movement was initiated by Robert Owen, a social reformer and one of the founders of socialism and the cooperative movement. During the Industrial Revolution in Britain, Owen demanded a decrease in the terribly long working hours for the factory workers. At that time, a working day could range from 10 to 16 hours, six days a week. Owen had raised the demand for a 10-hour day in 1810, and instituted it in his socialist enterprise at New Lanark. By 1817 he had formulated the goal of the eight-hour day and coined the slogan eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest. Women and children in England were granted the 10-hour day in 1847. French workers won the 12-hour day after the February revolution of 1848. A shorter working day and improved working conditions were part of the general protests and agitation for Chartist reforms and the early organisation of trade unions. The International Workingmen Association took up the demand for an eight-hour day at its convention in Geneva in August 1866, declaring: “The legal limitation of the working day is a preliminary condition without which all further attempts at improvements and emancipation of the working class must prove abortive, and The Congress proposes eight hours as the legal limit of the working day.” It as a result of such a movement that most countries celebrate Labour Day on May 1. We, at SundayMag, therefore hope that the celebrations on Friday brought more meaning toworking days. But right now, it’s time to enjoy your favourite Mag! Nice day. Editor