Below follows Unite the Union's May Day Message:

Unite, the union for workers in Gibraltar, have in advance of the May Day celebrations at Campion Park on 1^st May highlighted the importance of the delivery of the public sector pay claim for not just that sector, but also the private sector to improving terms and conditions, plus employment rights. The annual May Day Rally held by the union will commence at 11am until 3pm at Campion Park on Thursday 1^st May with a range of union speakers and entertainment. Speakers will address issues impacting workers across both the public and private sectors including pay, equalities, poor employment practices and statutory rights.

Stuart Davies, National Officer for Unite Gibraltar stated: “It is again a privilege to celebrate International Workers’ Day on the day it was intended, a public holiday on May Day that was long campaigned for by Unite. The union is delighted that this important day in the calendar of workers continues to be recognised as a public holiday which many of our members and their families are able to enjoy. Working people continue to be the heartbeat of the Gibraltar economy, whether in the public or private sectors, so it is right to reflect positively on the massive contributions of Unite members and workers in general to the delivery of services and economic prosperity. 

“A key factor in the improvement of terms and conditions and employment rights across the public and private sectors will be the delivery of the Unite public sector pay claim. The claim submitted by Unite earlier this year, sought not only to address the issues of real terms losses in pay and pay parity on entry salaries with the UK in the public sector, but also tackles key issues in the private sector. The pay claim seeks not only significant improvements in the minimum wage, but the long, overdue establishment of the Gibraltar Living Wage which will provide a focus to drive wage growth in the private sector.

“Another key element of the pay claim is to finally end the on-going scourge of Zero Hours Contracts in the public and private sectors, these contracts breed job insecurity and place the balance of power in the employment relationship squarely with the employer, that balance has to be redressed. Unite is focussed on delivering progress on this long-standing matter as part of the public sector pay negotiations through the end of Spring and into Summer. May Day 2025 provides the impetus to look forward to a better deal for workers across Gibraltar, whilst celebrating the on-going contributions of working people here and around the world.

 In addition to speakers, there will be entertainment in the form of a DJ, a Jumping Castle and party bags for children, plus Unite freebies for members and attendees.