May Day or Labour Day, is the international day set aside to recognize workers and is one of the more significant holidays in the Caribbean. The day originated through the International Labour Movement and came out of the struggle to free workers from the deplorable conditions of repression, exploitation and racism which generally existed in the late nineteenth century and notably after the abolition of slavery. Today we take the eight hour work day for granted but that was an important early achievement of the Labour Movement.
Labour Day is often referred to herein Anguilla as Fun Day. While I understand why the term is used because of the various sporting activities, I find it very ironic because Labour Day’s genesis was not inspired by fun at all. Labor Day provides a holiday that honors the social and economic achievements of Anguillan workers. Essentially, it was intended to be, and in many ways remains, an annual national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
So I urge the organizers of activities for May Day to always take some time out to recognize the significance of this day from a historical perspective.
Speaking of history, Anguilla does not have the well documented struggles with labour issues like many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters. However, we must be aware that labour issues of 2014 are not the same as the labour issues in lets say 1930. Anguilla does not have the history from those early years but Anguilla is creating its own labour history in this modern era and while the issues may be different, they are none the less very challenging.
There is no history of a trade union movement challenging the colonial masters and as a result our politicians have not risen out of the Labour Movement. I say with great humility that my involvement with the working class in both St Kitts and England was a catalyst for me to enter the political arena.
The lack of history however, does not give our politicians a free pass when it comes to Labour issues and in fact our political make up does not allow that. The Minister responsible for Labour here in Anguilla must be capable of addressing conflict resolution and issue of fairness between employers and employees when called upon to do so.
The original fight against repression, exploitation and racism by the Labour Movement has resulted in changes for the better.. Within all of the achievements lies an issue which we must monitor carefully. In the early days, it was easy to recognize the adverse labour environment so that opposition to it could be easily justified. Today the concessions made in favour of the worker means that repression, exploitation and racism would be more subtle and hence the Labour Movement worldwide must continue to be very vigilant.
The fact that over the years concessions have been made in favour of the worker is a source of optimism. They give the worker a platform on which to build. It gives the worker the opportunity to have a well earned place at the bargaining table and a voice in the labour debate. The worker must make use of these opportunities. One of the best ways to do this is by being productive and commitment is also a key contributor. Repression, exploitation and racism were never, are never and never will be pre-requisites for workers productivity. Productive workers are products of their personal and professional development. Productivity provides common ground for worker and employer.
At the end of the day, the thrust must be to have a work environment that is devoid of an intention to exploit or repress workers from the employer’s side. At the same time workers must be dedicated to productivity in a manner that is at last commensurate with their income. An honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.
However you decide to celebrate Labour Day, have fun and take some time away from work to catch up with your family.
May God continue to bless workers in Anguilla, the Caribbean and the rest of the world. I thank you for listening.
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
