May 1 every year marks Labour Day or May Day, a global observance dedicated to advocating for workers' rights.
This year's theme revolves around "Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate". The origins of International Labour Day trace back to a tragic incident in London on May 4, 1886, when a peaceful workers' demonstration was violently disrupted, resulting in the loss of lives including seven police officers and four civilians. The event galvanised the movement for workers' rights, leading to the establishment of May 1 as an internationally recognised day for their advocacy.
Various initiatives have been undertaken worldwide to commemorate this day, prompting many nations to enact legislation bolstering occupational safety standards and defining specific working conditions. Initially, political parties and labor unions spearheaded the observance, with formal recognition of Labour Day in the Maldives occurring in 2011, accompanied by legislative support and the establishment of relevant authorities.
In the Maldives, where Labour Day has been officially recognized for over a decade, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged significant measures in support of workers' welfare during his tenure. It include the development of special policies to facilitate the return of healthcare professionals who have left service, as well as initiatives to reintegrate former civil servants. in addition, the government has implemented salary adjustments for personnel in sectors such as the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to safeguard their rights. President Dr. Muizzu has further committed to salary increments across all sectors during his term and has assured protection for employees voicing criticism against the government.
The current administration's manifesto emphasises several priorities concerning workers, including addressing the promotion rights of uniformed personnel who have been overlooked for advancement in the past five years. These commitments underscore a concerted effort to uphold and advance the rights and well-being of workers in the Maldives.