We will be closed on Thursday May 1st. Each year both our locations close on May day in solidarity with workers everywhere.

May Day, how we Got the 8-Hour Workday

The only day the Olympia Food Co-op is currently closed is May 1st. We close to celebrate May
Day, also known as Labour Day or International Workers’ Day.

The Industrial Revolution brought the rise to the factory system, but left out the thought of
safety and employee rights. Blue collar workers began fighting for their rights for equitable
working conditions as a response to the unreasonable demands being put on them day in and
day out.

Starting at the end of April 1886 in Australia, the movement for an 8-hour workday picked up
momentum. By May 1 st , over 300,000 workers had walked out of their jobs.
Days later, the fight for equitable working conditions became violent. It wasn’t until 1868
though, that the 8-hour work week was finally realized. The downside to this movement?
Unions became more docile as a result and Anarchists started being seen by the public in a
dimmed light.

Marches, parades, speeches, picnics and simply enjoying a day off are common ways people
from over 66 countries celebrate May Day today.
We hope you enjoy your May Day this year and take a moment to rest and revel in your
accomplishments! See you again on May 2nd .