May 1 designated a public holiday to mark Labour Day

President Mohamed Nasheed has declared International Labour Day, May 1, a public holiday in the Maldives beginning this year.

Cabinet said the decision would highlighting the government’s commitment as well as efforts of private parties to protect and promote workers’ rights in the Maldives.

The Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) has meanwhile announced it intends to hold a ‘May Day’ rally to promote workers’ rights and pressure the government to comply with international labour conventions.

“There are huge concerns about the recent regulations on strikes, which totally bans strikes on resorts,” said TEAM Vice President Maroof Zakir.

Maroof said TEAM was hoping civil service employees, taxi drivers and workers from other sectors would join tourism employees for the 4pm-6pm rally in Male’ on May 1, International Workers’ Day.

“We will start from the social centre and march down Majeedee Magu,” Maroof said.

International Workers’ Day or Labour Day is a common public holiday in many countries.