MAY DAY
CELEBRATING WORKERS’ STRUGGLES & VICTORIES
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, has been a global day of protest, solidarity, and celebration of workers’ rights since 1886. It began with the fight for an eight-hour workday, culminating in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. Since then, working people around the world have gathered on May 1st to honour past struggles and continue the fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and social justice.
In South Australia, the SA May Day Collective is a volunteer group committed to keeping this proud tradition alive. Every year, we organise events to bring together unionists, activists, and families to celebrate our collective strength and advocate for a fairer future.
SA May Day – 2025 Events
May Day Rally
📅 12:00pm 1st May
📍 LIGHT SQUARE
Join workers from across South Australia as we take to the streets to celebrate solidarity and working-class power.
Bring your banners, bring your family, and let’s rally together for a better future!
May Day Dinner
📅 1st May
📍 Cypriot Hall
Join us for the annual May Day Dinner, an evening of solidarity, great food, and inspiring speakers. This is a chance for unionists and community members to come together to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the challenges and victories to come.
Honouring Union Legends:
The May Day Awards
Each year, the SA May Day Collective recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the workers’ movement. Nominations are now open for:
🏆 The Spanner Award – Celebrating a lifelong commitment to working people and the May Day Collective. This award honours those who have dedicated their lives to the fight for workers’ rights.
🔥 The Trailblazer Award – Recognising rank-and-file unionists who have never been employed by a union but have been instrumental in their workplace and community activism.
Do you know someone deserving of these honours? Submit your nomination today!
Calling all artists! Each year, the SA May Day Collective releases a limited edition May Day Red Wine – and we need your help designing the label.
🎨 Competition Details:
- Create an artwork that embodies the spirit of May Day – workers’ struggle, solidarity, and strength.
- The winning artist will receive $1500
- The winning design will be featured on the May Day Red Wine label for 2025.
Submissions Close on the 1st of April at 5pm Adelaide Time.
Winners will be selected by the May Day Collective committee. Winners will be notified and asked to provide bank account details to receive payment.