Mayday – Rising in a Post COVID World

This May Day we continue the struggle for justice. No matter where we come from, what we look like, or what we do, we all deserve to have our health and safety ensured at work. We must continue to demand governments and employers move towards social and ecological sustainability, where all are considered and cared for fairly– a way of living collectively where resources are shared in an equitable, peaceful and sustainable way.

On this May Day, workers from around the world deserve a resounding “thank you”. During this pandemic, many workers have been left with little choice; we continue to work and make sure people can stay home to flatten the curve. We are proud of the work we do, and we understand its value, but we cannot deny the fear we are all facing. There is danger for our loved ones, our communities and ourselves.

This pandemic has revealed an unsettling truth: some of the most vital workers, are often the least paid and the most undervalued. Our fight against this systemic reductive behaviour must continue. We cannot allow ourselves to be divided, and we must actively work to make space for everyone at the table.

Whether labouring for Foodora, Amazon, the health care sector, the Post Office, or elsewhere, workers have always been at the core of our society’s development. What post –COVID-19 world will we accept? We can speak up and demand change every day, so we must ask ourselves, how are we using our collective voice? 

May Day is a symbol that reminds us that, together, we are a powerful and capable force, and that change is possible. Any system that allows exploitation needs redrawing with equity, equality, and sustainability at the forefront. We all have a right to our dignity, our health and our safety.

Today we are at a tipping point: our atmosphere and our water continue to be poisoned for profit, and in the midst of a pandemic, we are seeing disregard for human life, safety and dignity. Indeed, we are fighting today because we know there is hope of a better future for us all.

This May Day let us remember our intrinsic value. Let us re-connect with ourselves, with each other and with our planet. Let’s seize the moment to create a new world and a just transition.

We salute all workers today in solidarity and with the hope that together, we will overcome some great obstacles just as history has shown is possible. We hope someday we will truly rally and celebrate in our collective freedom as equals. Remember, there are more of us than there are of them.

In solidarity,