Huge crowd turns out to celebrate Int’l Labour Day

Government officials and employees of various organisations and companies gathered in central Vientiane early yesterday morning to take part in a walk to celebrate International Labour Day.
The annual ritual is organised by the Lao Federation of Trade Unions and takes place in solidarity with events to mark the occasion in many countries around the world.

Centred at Patouxay Park, Vientiane’s workers are gratified to have the chance to be in the limelight and celebrate Labour Day, which highlights the protection of their legal rights. 
Almost 100,000 people from ministries and other entities in Vientiane turned out for this year’s walk.
The enthusiastic crowd made their way from Patouxay Park up Lane Xang Avenue to the Presidential Office and then returned to Patouxay, which is one of the city’s main landmarks.
Among those taking part were Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Party and Government Inspection Authority and the Anti-Corruption Organisation, Dr Bounthong Chitmany; President of the Lao Front for National Development, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane; and Vice President of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions, Mr Symoune Ounlasy.
Speaking at the event, Mr Symoune asked trade union members to be tolerant and cooperative and to respect the rules of their workplace.
He said Lao workers were keen to build on the country’s traditions and to improve their knowledge and skills so they could make a greater contribution to Laos’ social and economic development.   
The Lao Federations of Trade Unions thanked the government for increasing the monthly minimum wage from 900,000 kip to 1,100,000 kip on May 1 last year.
International Labour Day commemorates the date of May 1 in 1886, when workers around the world united in making a stand against the oppression they suffered under their employers. Workers demanded an eight-hour working day, eight hours of rest, and eight hours for studies. Their dedication to the cause paved the way for the global recognition of workers’ rights and the important role they play in a healthy economy.

By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
(Latest Update May 2, 2019)