TIRANA, May 1/ATA/ The Union of Trade Unions of Albania and the Center for Workers’ Rights organized a protest today in the capital, on International Workers’ Day.
Workers from different sectors across the country, along with union members and activists, joined the protest, calling for decent working conditions, higher wages, and respect for their dignity.
“The most significant crisis we face today is the shortage of labor force, as they are leaving. However, if we want to retain them in Albania, we need to offer fair wages and treat them with dignity,” said Gertjana Hasalla from the Center for Workers’ Rights.
During the protest, Gent Stroni from the Health Workers’ Union spoke out, advocating for greater workplace dignity for his fellow healthcare workers and for employees in other sectors throughout Albania.
“I call on all workers to overcome their fear of protesting for their rights and to organize in unions. They must stand up for their rights,” said Ilia Kondi from the Union of Trade Unions of Albania.
International Workers’ Day began in May 1886, when 400,000 workers in the U.S. went on strike for an eight-hour workday. The peaceful protest turned violent in Chicago, where police shot unarmed workers, killing several. The next day, a bomb was thrown, resulting in the deaths of seven police officers and four workers. The bomber was never identified, but eight workers were arrested—seven sentenced to death and one to 15 years in prison. /j.p/sm/
