Every May 1st is commemorated as International Workers' Day, a date that recognises the historic struggle of the labour movement for fair and decent working conditions. This day has its origins in the workers' demonstrations in Chicago in 1886, when thousands of workers demanded the 8-hour working day, in a context of profound inequalities and long working hours of up to 18 hours a day.

In our country, during the celebration of May Day 1890 in memory of the Chicago martyrs, the first Argentine workers' federation was formed. It was not until the Radical presidencies (between 1816 and 1928) that improvements in working conditions, such as Sunday rest, the regulation of women's home work, arbitration and workers' conciliation, etc., were legislatively sanctioned.

It was during Hipólito Yrigoyen's term of office that the 1st of May was instituted as a holiday by decree on the 28th of April 1930. Since then, this date has become a symbol of unity, commitment and vindication for all those who, with daily effort, build the present and the future of the Nation.

Throughout time, Argentine workers have been the protagonists of fundamental social advances and continue to be pillars in the economic, social and cultural life of the country. From industry and commerce, to services, science, education and rural production, labour continues to be the engine of growth and development.

On Workers' Day, we pay tribute to those Argentines whose daily work drives the progress of society as a whole and who work to rebuild a fairer and freer country.