Apr 30 - Chief Minister May Day Message Pays Tribute to Chicago Martyrs
Chief Minister Fabian Picardo has today stated that May 1st is an essential part of what being a socialist is all about. Reflecting on the reasons for the importance of the day, Mr. Picardo insisted that May 1st commemorates a demonstration held in Chicago in 1886 in favour of the eight-hour working day. The demonstration was disrupted by police gunfire resulting in the death of many who supported that cause. Those who lost their lives became known as the “Chicago Martyrs”.
The day is now commemorated worldwide as ‘Worker’s Day’, in honour of those who died at the demonstration, as well as those who continually campaign for worker’s rights.
Mr. Picardo goes on to add that May 1st was also dedicated to St. Joseph the Worker after the Second World War. He notes that it is undeniably necessary to remember that the rights workers enjoy today stem from the sacrifices made before us by workers around the world. ‘That is why it is equally undeniably right to have a particular day in the calendar set aside for this purpose.’
As the leader of the Socialist Party, the Chief Minister will celebrate with his political family tonight at Central Hall. This year’s celebrations will see the handing out of red carnations.
Commenting on tomorrow’s arrangements, Mr. Picardo adds, ‘apart from being able to hear great music from some of Gibraltar’s best bands; let us come together to recall the sacrifices that delivered to each of us the rights that protect us at work today; and, in particular, let us remember that those sacrifices did not just happen in Chicago – many happened here too during the General Strike, the fight for parity and other industrial battles that have delivered the benefits we enjoy today.
So let us celebrate the 1st May together. Let us commit ourselves to the commemoration of those who have fought to attain the rights that workers can today rely on and let us understand the significance of a day on which workers down tools in honour of those whose role in history will never be forgotten.’
