Below follows the Chief Minister's May Day Message:

Tomorrow, on 1st May, on International Worker’s Day, we will, once again, pause to celebrate Gibraltar’s workers and to reflect, honestly, on how far we have come, how far we still have to go, and who we are as a People.  

The GSLP Liberal Government has always understood that words mean nothing if they are not  followed by action. That is why we, for example, legislated for trade union recognition in the  private sector. And we did so having already delivered private sector pension legislation to  ensure that workers would retire with dignity.  

That is why I am very PROUD to say that the GSLP Liberal Government which I have had the  honour of leading since 2011 has increased the minimum wage at EVERY SINGLE BUDGET  DEBATE. Not once have we missed an opportunity to lift working families further out of  hardship. No full-time worker in Gibraltar should ever be left struggling to afford the basics.  

That is why we intervened at the Gibraltar International Bank to hold down mortgage interest  rates, reducing its profits to ensure that our people’s bank served our people first.  

And that is why we will continue to deliver policies that prioritise fairness and policies that  support businesses but never at the expense of those who do the work.  

Additionally, I am proud of the fact that this Government made the 1st of May a bank holiday,  whatever day of the week it falls on. This, therefore, ensures that workers can mark this day with  the recognition it deserves.  

Whether it is in the public sector or the private sector, on our construction sites, in our care homes  or on our shop floors, tomorrow is a day that belongs to the workers of Gibraltar.  

We are grateful for every contribution, every effort, and every individual who helps move Gibraltar  forward.  

And as Minister Arias-Vasquez said yesterday, on Workers’ Memorial Day, we know there is  more still to do and we are looking closely at how we can go further on health and safety  at the workplace.  

The agreement we announced yesterday between the Government, Unite the Union and  the Refuse Collectors (GIC) is a perfect example of what collaboration and mutual respect can  achieve.  

It is a deal that protects jobs, modernises services and delivers savings for the taxpayer, all while  placing workers’ wellbeing at its heart.  

This outcome is a result of the constructive relationship we have built with Unite the Union. It  proves that through dialogue, we can face challenges head-on and find solutions that serve both workers and the wider community. That is why I got into politics, and it is what I am trying to achieve every single day, not least with our future relationship agreement with the European Union.  

Remember the Chicago Martyrs and what they sacrificed for our terms and conditions today.  

And remember that the right wing is always ready to take back those rights through austerity and erosion.  

That threat is as alive here in the Opposition as it is in America today. 

So tomorrow, on International Workers’ Day, I hope you take the opportunity to enjoy this well earned bank holiday with your families and loved ones.  

Happy May Day to all.