Belize Prepares to Mark Labour Day

Tomorrow, workers across Belize will observe Labour Day, a public and historical observance that recognizes the contributions and struggles of the working class.  In Belize, May 1 has long been marked by union activities, marches, and public rallies, serving as a reminder of the country’s labour movement and the fight for fair wages, improved working conditions, and workers’ rights.  President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Ella Waight, says the observance is deeply rooted in Belize’s history. Waight explained that through discussions with Belizean historian Hector Silva, she gained further insight into the origins of Labour Day locally and the role key figures played in securing its recognition as a national observance.

Ella Waight, President, NTUCB: “I had opportunity to speak to Honorable Hector Silva this week because I wanted to answer the same question you asked just now, when did Labour Day start? We know that he made the motion in 1961 it was May 2nd in 1961 to provide such an opportunity for workers to celebrate themselves on a day called Labour Day and he told me that it was until May 1st 1962 that we actually got it as a public and bank holiday. But the intention was not for workers to stay home or to travel to other countries or to go to the rivers etc. The purpose is for workers to unite together and show their strength as workers, to show those who are employers, the government, show them that workers rights are to be protected and we are showing that that that continues now. Like I said for the past three years we have done the Labor Day march and rally. It was in Belmopan but we need to continue this and we need to ensure that it gets bigger. Because the idea of this labour movement is sadly it is decaying. People find it more interesting to go during Easter time or other long weekends to go to other countries and spend their monies there or to go and take part in activities that do not have any relevance to their life, to their work. I mean right now we are seeing our country in a very serious situation financially where we are spending more and getting less. But are we concerned as citizens of this country to say you know what we find this concerning and we need to ensure that our voices are heard in a unified place or unified entity ? I don’t get that feeling but I’m hopeful I’m wrong this year. I’m hoping that people will come out and celebrate. Mr. Silva also mentioned that the first Labour Day march was held in San Ignacio and there was participation from the then town board, and that was in support for the rights and benefits of the Chicleros and the mahogany workers. So we’re getting a lot of history from people who know and it’s a little bit of information I’m sharing with you because we’ll be having more from his interview when we have our documentary for the 60th anniversary of NTUCB in July.”

Waight is appealing to the general public to come out and participate in this year’s Labour Day activities, including the annual union rally scheduled for Belize City. She emphasized that Labour Day is not just for union members, but for all Belizeans who benefit from the rights and protections fought for by workers over the years./