Marches and Labor Day
The labor unions and workers of Cartagena commemorated International Labor Day yesterday with two parallel mobilizations that traversed strategic points of the city. The first, organized by the Unitary Departmental Command (CUT and CTC), focused its slogans on issues of national interest and political participation; and the other, by the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), focused on dignifying tourism and informal economy workers.
TL;DR
- Two separate labor marches were held in Cartagena for International Labor Day.
- One march, organized by CUT and CTC, focused on national issues and political participation.
- Another march, by CGT, aimed to dignify workers in tourism and the informal economy.
- The division in the marches reflects national trends among popular movements.
- International Labor Day commemorates the 1886 strike in the US for an eight-hour workday and the subsequent Haymarket affair.
- The Church also celebrates St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st, promoting human dignity in work.
- Historically, May 1st in Colombia has been characterized by confrontations between unions and the government.
- Unions use this day to oppose regressive reforms and demand justice for violence against labor leaders.
- It is crucial for union autonomy that they do not become mere appendages of governments.