#BTColumn – The observance of Labour Day

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by Dennis DePeiza

The annual Labour Day celebrations provide a primary opportunity for workers to reflect on the struggles and achievements of the labour movement.

In taking it one step further, there is also the opportunity to reflect on and recognise the contributions of labour leaders. The observance of Labour Day commenced in the 19th century in the USA, and was first celebrated a national holiday in 1894.

The purpose behind the celebration was that of honouring and recognising the work and contributions of labour to the development and achievements of the United States.

This year, Monday 2 May, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), will host a Labour Day Rally and Concert in Golden Square – Freedom Park, 3 p.m.

Golden Square – Freedom Park, is dedicated to the memory of the Rt. Excellent Clement Osbourne Payne, National Hero of Barbados, as the pioneer of the establishment of the labour movement in Barbados in the mid 1930’s.

In over eighty countries, Labour Day is celebrated on 1st May. There are however exceptions to this. For example, in the United States of America, Labour Day as a federal holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of September.

In Australia, Labour Day is celebrated on different days within various states. In New South Wales and South Australia and Western Australia, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in March, whereas in Victoria and Tasmania, the celebration takes place on the second Monday of March.

It is interesting that in Queensland and the Northern territory of Australia, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in May.

In comparison to the USA and Australia, Labour Day is observed on the fourth Monday of October. The one common thing that is known to exist irrespective of the day on which the celebration takes place, is that the day is declared a public holiday.

In the English-speaking Caribbean, the celebration of Labour Day, familiarly known as May Day, takes place on May 1. There are however exception to this, as cited in the instance of the Bahamas, where Labour Day is celebration on the first Friday in the month of June.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the celebrations are observed on June 19. The significance of the celebrations at that time of year, is to commemorate the anniversary of the 1937 Butler labour riots in Trinidad and Tobago.

Labour Day is also known as International Workers’ Day. Irrespective of which name by which it is called, the important thing remains that it is for workers and working class people to understand and appreciate the causes championed on their behalf by the labour movement.

Trade unions play a key role in acting as the voice of labour and representing the interest of labour. Through the process of collective bargaining and negotiations, labour union have been able to secure better conditions of service, wages and salaries and a better social protection floor.

The observance of Labour Day or International Workers’ Day as it is also known, is not only about giving thanks
for the achievements to date, but is to be used as an opportunity to continually promote the campaign
of the decent work agenda.

Although some fundamental rights, freedoms and protections have been earned, there are clear signs that the struggle yet continues. This is expected to continue in an effort to bring about changes that will assure workers of their full rights and freedoms.

It is important for workers to identify with the fact that the observance of Labour Day and the success of it, comes where there is evidence of labour solidarity.

Worker solidarity is a true representation of the collective will to promote workers’ rights, celebrate labour achievements and to denounce anti workers actions, activities and policies.

Looking back on how it all started, history recalls that in May 1886, some 400,000 workers in various parts of the USA took strike action to demand an eight hour working day. Though this peaceful protest ended violently when police shot and killed unarmed workers, let us remember that peaceful protest works.

The Barbadian workforce is challenged to continue to pay due respect, regard and observance of the words of National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Clement Payne: “Educate, Agitate, Don’t Violate.”

Dennis DePeiza is a labour & employee relations consultant, Regional Management Services Inc. www.regionalmanagementservices.com