MAY 1, 1891 IN FOURMIES: YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS...

Eight-hour day banner, Melbourne, 1856

Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

For most countries, Labour Day is synonymous with, or linked with, International Workers' Day, which occurs on 1 May. For other countries, Labour Day is celebrated on a different date, often one with special significance for the labour movement in that country. Labour Day is a public holiday in many countries.

More information: History

The Jones have wanted to visit Fourmies, a town situated in the Euroregion of Thiérache, a region of Northern France and Southern Belgium. It is 50 km from Valenciennes, 100 km from Lille, and 175 km from Paris.

The Fusillade de Fourmies on the press

On May 1, 1891, the Fusillade de Fourmies occurred. It was the first French and international celebration of International Workers' Day on May Day. 

In Fourmies, troops shot at peaceful strikers: nine died, including eight demonstrators under 21 years old, among whom a young worker who will remain a symbol, Marie Blondeau. Thirty-five strikers were also wounded.

The shooting of the 1st of May in Fourmies evoked strong emotions throughout France. It is regarded today as one of the founding events of the French Section of the Workers' International. Jean Jaurès visited Fourmies afterwards to make a speech there while George Clemenceau declared in front of the French Parliament that it is the Fourth state which rose.

More information: French Moments

La Canadenca strike in Barcelona, 1919

The Grandma has remembered La vaga de La Canadenca, an historic strike action in Barcelona. It began in February 1919 and evolved over forty-four days into a general strike paralyzing much of the industry of Catalonia. This forced the Spanish government to issue the Decreto de la jornada de ocho horas de trabajo, the first law limiting the working day to eight hours.

More information: LibCom

After visiting Fourmies, The Jones are going to return to Paris where they're going to take a direct flight to Tokio, the next destination of the family. The Grandma is very excited with this visit because, as you know, she's a great fan of volcanoes and she will enjoy visiting the most important ones in Japan: Shinmoedake who erupted last March and, of course, Mount Fuji, Mount Asama, Aogashima, Kusatsu-Shirane, Mount Unzen and Mount Aso.

It's time to say goodbye to Paris and write a new Hymne à L'Amour to it. Thanks to its inhabitants for being so kind and nice, thanks to the city to adopt some of us during some weeks, and some of us forever. We will miss it although all of us know that, as Rick Blaine said to Ilsa Lund in Casablanca: We'll always have Paris.

Watch l'Hymne à L'Amour by Céline Dion

Nous aurons pour nous l’éternité, dans le bleu de toute l’immensité.
Dans le ciel, plus de problèmes.

We will have for us eternity, in the blue of all immensity.
In the sky, without any problems.

Édith Piaf