1st May celebrated across many countries – One message: We need a Fair Europe for Workers

Jan Willem Goudriaan, EPSU General Secretary, speaking on 1st May 2019 demonstration, Budapest

(2 May 2019) Squares, parks and streets filled with workers and union members across Europe and beyond this first of May. In many rallies demands for higher pay, stronger collective bargaining, more equality, public investment in public services and just transitions were voiced. Speakers looked forward to the European elections 23-26 May underlining the importance of voting and supporting parties that agree to the union demands, democracy and social justice for all in our societies.

The EPSU General Secretary joined the first of May demo in Budapest. He expressed solidarity with the public service workers. 10 unions have set up a strike committee and are demanding substantial wage increases. Many workers have not had a pay increase for many years. The unions seek negotiations with the government but it is delaying and playing games rather than meet the demands of the workers. He spoke to the crowd supporting the resistance against the socalled slave laws. These were imposed on workers by the government and make it easier for employers to force workers to work overtime. The European elections are a chance for us to speak out against the nationalists and to set out our agenda for A Fair Europe. To make progress, we need more European cooperation in our movement, and more progressive voices in Parliament, Commission and Council.

The demonstration took place 1 May 2019, Budapest. Apart from the EPSU General Secretary, ETUC confederal secretary Thiebault Weber, the leaders of the confederations of MASZ, ESZT and SZEF as well as leaders of the Hungarian affiliates joined the March. (BDDSZ-childcare, HVDSZ2000-municipal services, EVDSZSZ-electricity, KKDSZ-culture). After the demo several discussions were organized with the public and the unions.

On International Workers’ Day, or May Day, we recall those killed during actions in 1886 in the US. We remember the actions and strikes to achieve shorter working hours and a shorter working week. We can be proud of our achievements and look forward to the future. The day is celebrated across the world. A Hungarian teachers union used it to announce strike action end of May. Elsewhere the Brazilian unions had a historic joint march to expose the government plans of the extreme right President; millions joined in various places in India. Protesters were arrested in France, Russia and Turkey.

  • group picture Budapest 1st May 2019 Erno,Viktoria, Joszef, Kati, Karoly, Thiebault, Janos, Jan Willem
Hungary