On the occasion of May 1st, International Labor Day, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova sent the following message:
Dear fellow citizens, respected workers,
This year, Labor Day reminds us of the long, difficult, just and dignified struggle of workers for the recognition of labor as a source and creator of values.
Today’s holiday is proof that the decisive workers’ revolt for an eight-hour workday, launched in Chicago by over 10,000 workers in 1886, and after more than a century, still inspires and calls for unity and solidarity among workers in the fight for their rights, employers to reconsider their attitude towards them, and those in power to consider economic and social policy through the prism of democracy.
The celebration of Labor Day in over 160 countries is a real moment to confront the still current questions: do we respect the generally accepted norms of international labor law?; are we only constitutionally, or in reality a social state?; is social justice an ideal or a reality?; is labor properly valued, i.e. are workers fairly rewarded for their work and can advance according to their knowledge and effort?; are they safe and secure in the workplace?; are there cases of forced labor and why?; is every job available to everyone, under equal conditions?; does every employee have the right to paid daily, weekly and annual leave?; what is the attitude of the collective partners towards collective agreements and the right to strike?
The enjoyment of economic and social rights by workers depends on the answers to the above-mentioned questions, which in turn determine the scope and quality of their cultural rights.
We must not forget that union organizing, the right to protest and social dialogue are prerequisites for a balance between economic interests and social justice.
As the president of all citizens, I remind you that we have an obligation to build a society in which labor is valued and valued, and socio-economic rights are realized!
Let us treat workers as valuable social capital, if we want to keep them here, or bring them back home. Let us understand that only satisfied workers can be hardworking and productive!
Happy Labor Day!
