May Day, the International Solidarity of the working class has been celebrated globally. The workers celebrated the day by organising meetings, processions, seminars etc.
In Delhi a large gathering was held at AKG Bhawan, which was addressed by the senior most Trade union leader in the country, Comrade M.K.Pandhe, Vice-President of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions. He called upon the workers to continue sustained struggles against the neo-liberal policies which is creating havoc with the peoples’ lives.
In Kerala massive joint rallies were held in all districts participated by unions including INTUC. In Delhi various trade unions, jointly and separately held meetings.
I had the opportunity of participating and addressing the May Day Celebrations held at the Kerala Bhawan in Delhi jointly organised by the Kerala NGO Union, Joint Council, Secretariat Staff Association etc. I spoke briefly on the historic meeting at Haymarket Square in Chicago on 4th May 1886, the conspiracy of the employers and the government in foisting false cases against the union leaders and the hanging of the workers’ leaders, who were the Chicago Martyrs. I also spoke about the need to fight the neo-liberal policies of the India Government which is making rich, richer and poor, poorer. I added that the struggles led by the national trade unions centres should be made more and more successful.
May Day and homage to martyrs, remind us about the past struggles and sacrifices and inspire us for sustained struggles to get justice for the downtrodden.
Tomorrow, the BSNL workers will celebrate May Day by holding a meeting at the CTO premises at 1300 hours.