Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour on  International Workers’ Day

May 1st is International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. It’s a day when workers worldwide celebrate what we’ve won and keep pushing for what we still need. This day reminds us that all our rights as workers, like weekends, overtime pay, workplace safety laws, and the right to join a union, were not given freely. Workers fought the bosses for them and much more. We remember our history, a history where workers were even jailed or killed standing up for better working conditions.

In Nova Scotia, workers still face big challenges. Many people work full-time but still struggle to pay their bills. Too many jobs are low-wage, unsafe, or unstable. Worker mobility, interprovincial trade, and tariffs are all items we must watch so changes do not become a race to the bottom. Workers in health care, education, retail, construction, and many other sectors are doing their best, but they need more support. That’s why May Day matters. It’s a chance for us to speak up and demand real change. We need higher wages, stronger labour laws, safer workplaces, and better protections for all workers, including migrants and gig workers. We need governments to listen to workers, not big businesses and corporations.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour stands with every worker who wants a fair deal. We believe that unions make life better for all workers, not just for their members. When workers stand together, we win better pay, conditions, and a better future. On this May Day, remember past struggles and recommit to the fights ahead. Let’s organize, build power, and support each other. Together, we can create a Nova Scotia where no worker is left behind. Today, I will join others and speak at the May Day Rally in Halifax.

Solidarity today and always.