News Archive

Statement by President Michael D. Higgins May Day 2021

Date Released: 30 April 2021

The President speaks of how May Day has traditionally been a day to celebrate the progress made – through the efforts of workers and trade union activists – on securing important worker rights, including the fundamental rights laid down in the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, but also rights relating to health and safety, fair wages, paid vacations, parental leave, and pension plans.

Reflecting on how this year’s May Day is the second International Workers Day taking place under Covid-19 public health restrictions, the President highlights some lessons to be learned from the pandemic, making the case for greater international solidarity in responding to the virus.

Click on Audio or Speech for the full statement.

For more information see https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-higgins-marks-may-day-2021