Unions question separate state-led Workers’ Day rally

Concerns have been raised over the government’s decision to organise a separate march to mark International Workers' Day, with critics alleging the move was intended to weaken trade unions.

International Workers’ Day, observed annually on 1 May, has traditionally been marked in the Maldives through rallies and marches organised by labour groups.

This year, a separate march was held in Malé under the initiative of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.

Following a recent cabinet reshuffle, labour and employment responsibilities were transferred to the ministry. It is the first known instance of the government leading a public march to mark the occasion.

The government event was attended by cabinet ministers and state employees. Participants marched from Artificial Beach to Social Center. The programme began with Zumba activities.

At the same time, labour groups held a separate march.

During the government event, Home Minister Ali Ihusaan said the administration organised the march to recognise workers and hear their concerns.

Workers’ Day events are usually organised by unions affiliated with the Maldives Trade Union Congress.

An MTUC representative said last year’s union rally had been obstructed by police, while this year’s union-led march proceeded without interference.

“Last year’s rally ended with injuries. This time, the government has initiated its own rally specifically to challenge the workers' unions or project a different narrative,” the representative said.

The representative added that the move reflected a continuation of policies that weaken workers’ interests.

International Workers’ Day traces its origins to labour protests in the United States in 1886, when workers campaigned for an eight-hour workday. Demonstrations centred around Haymarket Square in Chicago and later became a global symbol of labour rights movements.