Sinn Féin extends solidarity greetings on International Workers’ Day - Kearney

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney has extended May Day solidarity greetings to Irish workers and the labour movement across the island on behalf of Sinn Féin.

“Across Ireland the Labour movement will mobilise for May Day rallies this weekend.

“The May Day tradition originated in Chicago in the 19th century to commemorate the Haymarket Affair where activists campaigning for workers’ rights were attacked and four workers activists were executed. The date was subsequently adopted as International Workers’ Day by the international labour movement and remains a pivotal date in the calendar for all progressives and democrats.

“It is a time when workers across the world celebrate the struggle for rights and the sacrifice of those who campaigned and battled to achieve economic equality and social justice.

“May Day is also an occasion which highlights the economic and social challenges facing working people in Ireland and globally.

“Today, more than ever, there is a need for a strong organised labour movement in Ireland.

“Irish workers face many challenges; the prospect of Brexit threatens to strip away many of the rights that workers have won within the EU; we face the prospect of an emboldened Tory government in Westminster intent on attacking the most vulnerable in our society; and we continue to resist the attacks on public services from the most right-wing government ever in Leinster House.

“The Irish labour movement has a strong tradition in resisting these attacks and defending workers’ rights.

“It has an essential role to play alongside progressive political parties and sectors of civic society in campaigning for economic democracy, sustainable public services, citizens rights and an Ireland of equals.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin I extend solidarity greetings to all workers on this May Day weekend and pledge our support for a strong labour movement in Ireland.”