Twelve months ago, International Workers’ Day served as a platform to mobilise voters for progressive parties in the European elections. Regrettably, we witnessed a rise in support for parties that are hostile to trade unions. In the current European Parliament, for the first time, the majority of MEPs come from centre-right and far-right political parties. This has already fuelled a backlash on trade union gains and a deregulation agenda that is challenging human rights, including workers’ rights, and environmental protections. 

The new EU Commission has responded in turn by upending legislation that it championed over recent years. The so-called Omnibus proposals, presented under the guise of simplification, undercut workers’ rights. The Commission is, in this context, acting solely in the interests of corporations, at the expense of worker protection along global supply chains.

IndustriAll Europe is clear that our values of equality and dignity at work, delivered through well-functioning social dialogue, collective bargaining and decent work, are strengths and not weaknesses in an extremely volatile and uncertain global context and economy. We need to rebuild the manufacturing sector in Europe. Key sectors need to be transformed fairly so that no one is left behind. In February of this year, 6,000 of us demonstrated in the streets of Brussels calling for action now from the EU Commission.

The political changes in Brussels are taking place at a moment when job security is at its lowest point since the financial crisis in 2008. Weekly, we hear news about plant closures due to low demand, expensive energy or unfair trading practices. The chaos President Trump has initiated since returning to the White House poses further threats to European workers – whether through tariffs or the deregulatory dreams of the ‘Tech Bros’. The rise of nationalism in the US has serious consequences for Europe as well – as authoritarians align their forces in defence of the rich.

International Workers’ Day, or Labor Day, started in the late 19th century in the United States, commemorating striking workers who were mown-down in the fight for an 8-hour day. Today, we stand with US unions who are resisting government attacks on their rights and public services.

We wish that all our sisters and brothers worldwide could celebrate May Day in peace. The harsh reality is, however, that the war in Ukraine has entered its fourth year, with ongoing bombings of civilians, production plants and infrastructure. In the Middle East, there is also no solution in sight, neither a ceasefire nor a realistic peace plan. We also wish that migrants who come to Europe, whether from Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere, are treated with respect and dignity. Unfortunately, a huge shift in the opposite direction is taking place, occurring at both the EU level and in most European states.

The EU has decided to unlock €800 billion and exempt military expenditure from its fiscal rules. Trade unions are calling for a complete suspension of spending constraints to allocate funds for investments in infrastructure and across manufacturing, avoiding a return to austerity. The European economy cannot survive, never mind thrive on defence spending alone.

Workers are the economic heart of Europe. We are the real wealth producers and deserve our fair share of profits and productivity. As the age-old chant goes, “united, the workers will never be defeated”. Unity is vital to achieve our common demands for freedom, justice and welfare. We must stand united to right the wrongs caused by conservative lawmakers and employers. 

When we fight together, we win together. Solidarity forever with all workers!