Worker’s rights more important than ever as millions celebrate May Day
UNI Global Union today said that as workers celebrate May Day, or Labour Day, around the world, world leaders must make real their promises to rebuild the global economy in a way that benefits working people.
“May 1st has a long tradition behind it as a day when working women and men have celebrated their contributions to society and demanded their rights,” said UNI General Secretary Philip Jennings. “The global financial crisis has been devastating for workers but we have yet to see the sweeping changes we need to rebuild the world economy in a fair and just manner.”
UNI believes that job creation, sweeping financial regulation and a worldwide commitment to workers’ and union rights are necessary parts of any recovery plan.
One hundred and nineteen years after the first global May Day celebration, workers around the world are still routinely subject to abuses and unfair conditions but the fight for justice continues.
In Turkey, workers have scored a major victory this year as the Turkish government said it will recognise the celebration of Labour Day on May 1. Last year, Turkish workers and union activists were tear-gassed in Istanbul.
The history of May Day in Turkey is a tragic one. In a demonstration in 1977 37 people were killed in a massacre in Istanbul's Taksim Square. No one was ever punished for the killings. On the 30th anniversary in 2007, unions were prevented from holding a demonstration there and 1,000 people were arrested.
The trade union confederations DİSK, TÜRK-İŞ and KESK aimed to commemorate the May Day massacre in Taksim in 2008 but their headquarters were attacked early in the morning. Activists were attacked with tear gas and hundreds were arrested. Adriana Rosenzvaig, head of UNI Graphical and Packaging, was with the Turkish unions in Istanbul on May Day 2008.
UNI is concerned that the government has maintained its ban on demonstrations in Taksim and that police may attack protestors there.
“We welcome recognition of Labour Day by the Turkish government and we hope they will allow our colleagues to demonstrate freely and peacefully,” said Rosenzvaig. “Unions still face considerable pressure from the government and multinationals. We hope that this is a sign of expanding worker and union rights in Turkey.
UNI is sending a message of solidarity to the millions of members in Turkey and around the world who will celebrate May 1 and demand justice and equity for all working people.