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The Herald, April 29, 1983

THE Prime Minister, Cde Mugabe, heads the list of ministers and deputy ministers addressing Workers’ Day rallies.

In a message to mark the holiday, the Minister of Labour and Social Services, Cde Kumbirai Kangai, said it was the day “when all the progressive governments and movements in the world pause to reflect on the invaluable contribution of the working class to the well-being of all humanity”.

The Government recognised the day as one of the most important national holidays, he said, and asked all Zimbabweans to take part in the celebrations on Monday.

Workers’ Day is held on May 1, but because this year it falls on a Sunday the holiday will be celebrated on Monday.

“On that day, they will have the opportunity to show that we must not take for granted such facilities and amenities as roads, bridges, buildings, trains, vehicles, schools, clothes, water and electricity supplies and food.

“Each May Day is, therefore, not only an occasion for us to salute the workers for their continued sustenance of the nation, but it is also an opportunity for us to express our deep appreciation to all workers and those that have died or have been injured at places of work in the struggle to improve our own and the nation’s being.”

LESSONS FOR TODAY

• Workers are important across the world because they are the vital cogs that drive any enterprise or organisation and as such, their welfare should always take priority. A happy worker is very productive, but an unhappy worker is unproductive.
• Governments and employers need to lend an ear to the concerns of the workers and try as much as possible to see that they are addressed across the board whether in the public or private sector. On its part, the Government has been working on improving the welfare of civil servants while urging the private sector to do the same for their workers.
• Workers Day or May Day should be a day where employees need to appreciate and honour their workers for the great work that they are doing for them.
• Apart from workers who died or were injured at workplaces, the 2022 May Day should be used to remember all workers who died as a result of the Covid-19 induced complications.