Walk for Health Marks 140th Anniversary of International Workers’ Day in Vientiane

Vientiane: The event brought together senior officials, including President of the Lao Front for National Development Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Head of the Commission for Information and Education of the Party Central Committee Khamphan Pheuyavong. Ministers, deputy ministers, labor union leaders, representatives of international organizations, civil servants, workers, and residents of Vientiane also attended. According to Lao News Agency, Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Lao Federation of Trade Unions Vilay Vongkhamserm highlighted the historical significance of International Workers' Day as a symbol of the global labor movement. He noted that during the 18th and early 19th centuries, workers faced harsh exploitation, including long working hours of up to 14-15 hours per day, low wages, and unsafe conditions. These injustices sparked widespread labor movements, culminating in the historic protests on May 1, 1886, in Chicago, where workers demanded an eight-hour workday. The movement led t o the establishment of May 1 as International Workers' Day, now recognized worldwide as a celebration of labor solidarity and workers' rights. Vilay called on Party and state organizations, trade unions, and all sectors of society to strengthen efforts in developing the Lao workforce, both in quantity and quality, to meet the country's evolving development needs. He emphasized the importance of protecting workers' rights, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal treatment. He also urged workers across all ethnic groups to remain united, continue improving their skills, and uphold the strong traditions of the international labor movement, positioning themselves as a key driving force in Laos' socio-economic development.