Irish Examiner view: Changes and challenges for workers

One of the key early demands of activists was the establishment of an eight-hour day, yet hours worked generally have been climbing since 2011

Demonstrators participate in a May Day march organised by CGIL, CISL and UIL Lombardia trade unions, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, May 1. (Picture: LaPresse via AP

The ritual of May Day as a celebration of the rights of workers everywhere has rarely been as exuberantly marked in Ireland as in some other countries. 

Unlike in other European states turnouts have been limited, even 40 years ago when trade unions seemed both more vocal and more visible.