May Day 2020

It is International Workers' Day. That is an important date for many in Europe and in other regions of the world. We celebrate the working people’s rights. And I add to that my deep appreciation for those who keep struggling to survive. Particularly currently when most of the economic system is upside down. At the same time, as I look ahead, I see continued disruption and new levels of hardship. And I do not see the collective political will that a situation like the present one would require. Each leader is hiding behind national border walls. That is the wrong approach. We need regional and international joint efforts. As we need to promote cooperation between the big economies, including the US and China. Harsh words, bellicose statements, at this stage, do take us in the wrong direction. Leaders that follow that path will be severely assessed by future generations.

May Day

Here and in many parts of the world, today we celebrate Labour Day. It´s a celebration about rights and therefore it should not be ignored. Every time there is an opportunity to talk about people´s rights we should do it. It´s a never ending struggle. And today we should also write about all those who have no job, no future, as well as about all the children that are at work instead of being at school. Massive unemployment and child labour are two important dimensions of the world´s poverty. They call for effective responses. 

May Day 2014

On this May Day, my point is very simple. It is about labour in a global world economy. Leaders should make globalization, which is an inescapable feature of present times, a positive factor for progress and transformation. They should not exploit the fears linked to globalization and use it as a flag to win votes from the working class. Globalization opens opportunities and it should be taken advantage of. People should be prepared and skills should be developed for a world without too many trade barriers. And EU should be at the vanguard of such an approach.