Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 (PTI) Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress leader V D Satheesan on Friday extended May Day greetings, highlighting the importance of labour rights and workers’ contributions to society.
In a Facebook post, Governor Arlekar said May Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and perseverance of workers worldwide.
He expressed hope that the strength and dedication of the working class would help lead the state towards greater progress and prosperity.
Chief Minister Vijayan said the day commemorates the historic struggle of workers in Chicago for labour rights and the eight-hour workday against what he described as the exploitative mindset of capitalism.
He said attempts by the ruling establishment at the time to suppress the agitation through violence and by prosecuting and executing labour leaders failed to weaken the revolutionary spirit of the organised working class.
“The Chicago incident became a glorious chapter in the history of workers’ movements,” he said.
Alleging that neo-liberal policies were undermining workers’ rights in the country, Vijayan claimed hard-won labour laws had been diluted and compressed into four labour codes.
He further alleged that covert moves were underway to increase working hours and restrict the right to organise in order to protect corporate interests.
However, Vijayan said growing protests from labour sectors across the country amid such challenges offered hope.
“Workers’ struggles are strengthening in different parts of the country. May Day reminds us of the need to become more organised,” he said.
Calling for greater unity among workers, the CM urged them to move forward with strength by upholding class consciousness beyond sectarian divisions.
As part of the May Day observance, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby hoisted the flag at the party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of state secretary M V Govindan and other leaders.
Congress leader Satheesan said May Day serves as a reminder of the history of struggles for workers’ rights and helps raise labourers’ awareness of their rights.
He said the day also underscores the importance of protecting jobs and workplaces.
“Let us move forward together to fulfil the historic duty of protecting jobs and workplaces,” he said.
Labour Minister V Sivankutty posted a card on his social media accounts with the writing “The fight goes on.”
