Türkiye marks May 1, Labor Day

By Zehra Nur Duz

ANKARA (AA) – Türkiye’s president and other top officials on Monday marked May 1, Labor and Solidarity Day.

“I sincerely congratulate you on May 1 Labor and Solidarity Day,” President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter.

Erdogan underlined that in recent years Türkiye has made strides in union rights, and wages, and as well as worker health and safety.

“We have increased the minimum wage from 184 Turkish liras ($126) in 2002 to 8,500 Turkish liras ($437) today,” Erdogan added.A

"I congratulate the Labor and Solidarity Day of our workers who contribute to the growth and development of our country," Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Twitter.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu also marked the day with a message, saying on Twitter: “I congratulate the Labor and Solidarity Day of every member of our glorious nation, who have been a part of working life in all fields with their great efforts.”

“I congratulate the Labor and Solidarity Day of our fellow workers who play an important role in the growth, development, and strengthening of our country with the sweat of their brow,” Labor and Social Security Minister Vedat Bilgin said on Twitter.

- 'Day to honor and celebrate efforts of all those who work and strive'

Family and Social Services Minister Derya Yanik also shared a message.

“I congratulate the Labor and Solidarity Day of all our workers who add value to our country with their sweat and efforts,” Yanik said on Twitter.

“Working back to back, shoulder to shoulder, we will reach our country's future goals together,” she added.

“Today is the day to honor and celebrate the efforts of all those who work and strive to develop our country,” Treasury and Finance Minister Nurettin Nebati said on Twitter.

“Protecting the sweat of our brow and rights of our workers, providing fair and just working conditions in all areas, and making their voices heard with the loudest voice will always remain our priority,” Parliament Speaker Mustafa Sentop said on Twitter.

Trade Minister Mehmet Mus also marked the day, saying: "I sincerely congratulate the Labor and Solidarity Day of all our workers and laborers who work devotedly and produce value for our nation day and night with their minds, sweat, and labor."

May Day or International Workers' Day first emerged as an event commemorating the labor of workers worldwide on May 1, 1886, when a group of workers in the US held a massive strike for an eight-hour workday.

Türkiye’s first official May Day celebrations were held in 1923.