Labour Day a moment to introspect

Here at home, as with years before, trade unions have organised various events around the country to encourage the working forces to gather and move to the same beat on May 1. Now instead of the going through the annual rituals, Labour Day should be used as an opportunity to celebrate the role the working class plays in the economy, while also addressing the socio-economic issues that bedevil the workers and the labour movement.

The history of Labour Day celebrations is sobering. More than 120 years ago at Haymarket in Chicago, USA, several workers lost their lives following a labour crusade to implement eight-hour workdays. Labour Day, as such, was a direct result of workers’ revolution against oppression, unfair labour practices and conditions.