1st May, May Day, the International Day of Working Class, is here again. The May Day is being observed and celebrated through out the world by the workers and other toiling masses. The World Federation of Trade Unions(WFTU), Trade Union International (Pensioners and Retirees) and the Central Trade Unions have given call to observe the day.

The memory of the Martyrs of Chicago, August Spies, Fischer, Engel and Albert Parsons who were hanged by the US government inspire the working class world over. The “The Eight Hour Day Movement” by the Chicago workers and agitating for the same and the Hay Market meeting was the reason for charging the leaders with conspiracy and execution on 11th November 1887.

It is through such struggles and strikes that the working class have been able to achieve many gains and victories. May Day 2021 comes at a time when the working class are facing many challenges. The neo-liberal policies being implemented by the imperialist and capitalist class has created misery and heavy burden on the people. For maximising their profits, the corporates and financiers can go to any length, as we have seen. At the same time struggles are going on in many countries against these anti-people policies.

It is not different in India. The Central Trade Unions are unitedly fighting against the neo-liberal policies of the government. The workers rights are being attacked by the Modi government. The hard won gains of the working class are being snatched away. The struggle to defend the already achieved rights and for further improvement will continue. PSUs are being privatized. Labour rules are amended for more exploitation of the workers.

This year the May Day arrives when the world is reeling under the covid-19 pandemic. More than 15croes have been affected and more than 31 lakhs persons have died. In India, it is more than 18 crores affected and more than 2 lakhs persons died. The second wave is alarming, but the Central Government failed to take urgent actions to make available vaccines, oxygen etc. It is a grim situation. However it has got to be faced and many lives to be saved.

The Central Trade Unions In India have also called for observing the day in a befitting manner maintaining Covid protocol.

MAY DAY GREETINGS TO ALL!