International Workers’ Day (May Day) – May 1
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Toronto – April 30, 2015 – Every year, on the first day of May, workers and their unions around the world observe International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. As Canada's leading union, UFCW Canada celebrates May Day in solidarity with our members from across our nation and with our sisters and brothers around the globe.
For more than a century May Day has acknowledged and observed the achievements of the trade union movement including the establishment of employment standards, occupational health and safety legislation, and old age security.
Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered a decision affirming the right to strike as protected under Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Internationally, a breakthrough agreement was made between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and government and employer members of the ILO, which acknowledges that the Right to Strike is protected under ILO Convention 87.
While commemorating such hard-won victories of working people is important, May Day is also an annual alert that the struggle remains as the exploitative impact of globalization can only be countered by heightened international solidarity.
On International Workers' Day, we are reminded, as today's workers, to stand with our sisters and brothers around the globe in common purpose and solidarity. The best way to achieve fairness at work and social justice in society is to join the union. Our victories internationally and here at home are testament to the fact that when workers join hands together across borders, we can overcome any injustices. On this May Day, UFCW Canada celebrates with our members, our allies and every worker around the world who needs a union.
In solidarity,
Paul R. Meinema
National President