LABOUR DAY! Amazing Facts You Need To Know

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Labour Day, what is it? Well, the first day of May (May 1), is a calendar date recognised globally as a holiday, given the name May Day or Worker’s Day or International Workers’ Day. A day to commemorate the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the Labour movement.

In the Republic of Kenya, it is called Labour Day. The day is set aside as a holiday, in commemoration of the achievements of the Labour movement in the nation. It is also celebrated so as to raise awareness of the rights of working people and to protect them from exploitation.

History of Labour Day.

The tradition of Labour Day dates back to 19th century America. On May 1st 1886, workers in Chicago organised a strike to demand an eight-hour workday. However, workers across the U.S. came together to demand their rights and fight for better working conditions after which a bomb exploded at a labour rally in Haymarket Square. One cop died instantly, six more died later and many police officers sustained injuries. As a result, the cops fired at the crowd, killing and injuring several workers.

In 1889, the International Congress of Socialist Parties met Paris and decided to celebrate Labour Day or Worker’s Day on May 1 to remember those who died at the 1886 Haymarket incident.

The Central Labour Union organised the first Labour Day holiday in history. It was celebrated on Thursday, 5th September 1882, in New York City.

After Kenya gained independence on 12 December 1963, its first International Workers Day as an independent nation was celebrated on 1st May 1964.

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The formation and objectives of COTU (K).

The Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya (COTU (K)) was founded in 1965 upon the dissolution of the Kenya Federation of Labour and the African Worker’s Congress (KFL-ACW).

COTU(K) is registered and operates within the provisions of the Labour Revelation Act, 2007 of the Laws of Kenya. The setting up of COTU was supposed to ensure harmony within the country’s trade union movement and also work to protect and improve the rights and welfare of all workers including people with disabilities.

COTU (K) is an umbrella organisation of 45 trade union member organisations in Kenya. Typically, the objective of uniting trade unions includes; providing assistance and services to their members, collectively bargaining for better pay and conditions for all workers, working to improve the quality of public services, political campaigns and industrial action.

Francis Lipwoni Atwoli (born 6th June 1949) is a Kenyan trade unionist who is currently serving as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (Kenya), COTU (K). A capacity he has served since he was first elected in 2001.

Following the 14th quintessential conference, that took place at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, Dr. Francis Atwoli was re-elected unopposed as the Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions Kenya for the fifth time on April 12 2021.

Read: Dr Francis Atwoli, Receives Honorary Degree

The significance of Labour Day in Kenya.

Most working Kenyans usually have a lot of expectations from the government on this day. Most of the Labour Day, which is usually held at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, usually sees the President of Kenya or the Chairman of the worker’s union give a speech addressing the workers.

This day signifies issues surrounding the working individual. There are three things that are usually addressed during this day.

1. Salary increment– All working individuals should have a salary increment subject to the high cost of living and the economic situation.

2. Health and safety of workers– Every employer in Kenya should ensure that their employees work in a conducive environment that meets the health standards as outlined in the constitution.

3. Workers’ constitutional rights– On this day, all workers as supposed to receive the utmost attention and respect. They should also get the necessary recognition for the work they do towards the development of the country.