Statement

Today, on International Workers' Day, we join millions around the world in commemorating the struggles, sacrifices, and victories of workers and the labor movement. May 1st stands as a powerful reminder of the collective strength and solidarity that have driven progress and social justice throughout history.

This day is rooted in the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the eight-hour workday—a legacy born out of the sacrifices of workers who stood united against oppression and exploitation. It is a day to honor their courage, reflect on the progress achieved, and recommit to the continuing struggle for equality, dignity, and rights for all workers.

As IUSY, we recognize that the fight for labor rights is inseparably tied to the fight against systemic inequality, climate injustice, and the erosion of democratic principles. Around the globe, workers still face exploitative practices, wage theft, and suppression of union activity. The rise of precarious work and the gig economy has further endangered hard-won labor protections, leaving millions without security or a voice in their workplaces.

We stand in solidarity with workers everywhere—urban and rural, formal and informal—who continue to organize, resist, and demand change. We pledge our unwavering support for movements advocating for decent work, equal pay, gender justice, and the right to unionize without fear of retaliation.

This International Workers' Day, we also amplify the call for a sustainable, just transition in the face of the climate crisis. Workers must not bear the brunt of a crisis they did not create. A future built on renewable energy and environmental justice must prioritize decent, green jobs and fair labor practices.

The fight for workers' rights is the fight for a better world—a world free from exploitation, inequality, and injustice. As IUSY, we reaffirm our commitment to building bridges of solidarity across borders and movements, standing firm in the pursuit of social, economic, and environmental justice for all.