Over 9,000 government officials and Vientiane residents turned out at Patuxay (Victory Arch) in Vientiane to join a community walk marking the 137th anniversary of the International Labour Day.

Vice President Bounthong Chimany, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Chansamone Chanyalth, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Khambay Khatthiya, President of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions Alay Vongnorbountham and relevant officials joined the walking event.

“The International Labour Day commemorates the date of May 1 in 1886, when workers around the world united in making a stand against the oppression they suffered under their employers. Workers demanded an eight-hour working day, eight hours of rest, and eight hours for recreation. Their dedication to the cause paved the way for the global recognition of workers’ rights and the important role they play in a healthy economy,” said Ms Aly Vongnorbountham.

The history of International Labour Day or International Workers’ Day can be traced back to 1886 when the Haymarket Riot erupted involving violent clashes between the labourers and police. Thousand of workers marched through the streets of Chicago demanding an eight-hour workday. In 1889, a worldwide organization of socialist and labour parties, Second International, declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day in the memory of Haymarket incident and to promote the rights of workers.

Source: Lao News Agency