house resolution no.245

Reps. Andrews, Wegela, Tsernoglou, Brabec, Hope, Brixie, Conlin, MacDonell, Martus, McFall, Skaggs, Rheingans, Morgan, Arbit, Shannon, Weiss, Fitzgerald, Glanville, Koleszar, Wilson, Haadsma, McKinney, Rogers and Churches offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare May 1, 2024, as International Workers’ Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, May 1 is globally recognized as International Workers’ Day and is publicly celebrated in over 80 countries; and

Whereas, This international day of labor celebrates the contribution of workers, promotes workers’ rights, and commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement; and

Whereas, May 1 commemorates the events of the Haymarket Affair and the associated general strike, which led to the establishment of an important day of remembrance and a long-lasting call to action; and

Whereas, International Workers’ Day is the declaration of the labor movement’s demands to improve the working conditions of workers, such as better pay, shorter working days, and safer worker conditions; and

Whereas, We celebrate International Workers’ Day as a yearly expression of these demands; and

Whereas, We honor the bitter struggles of the working class and the many sufferings of the past; and

Whereas, The United Auto Workers was formed in Detroit in 1935 during the Flint Sit-Down Strike, putting Michigan at the forefront of the modern labor movement as America struggled with the distress of the Great Depression; and

Whereas, Michigan continues its legacy as a leader in the national labor movement and its efforts to bring economic justice and social justice to our state and nation; and

Whereas, Recognition of the integrity of Michigan’s workforce and its achievements is important in advancing the economic growth of our state; and

Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives wishes to respect and highlight the contributions of Michigan’s workforce to the State and all of society; and

Whereas, The Michigan House of Representatives renews our efforts to improve working conditions, including workplace safety and health protections, better standards, and enforcement, and fair and just compensation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 1, 2024, as International Workers’ Day in the state of Michigan.