Will the May Day March Be Held Again? FTTU: We Will Express Our Demands in Different Forms

Labor Day is approaching. The Federation of Trade Unions held a media tea gathering today. When asked whether they will resume the May Day march that has been suspended since 2020, Federation President and Legislative Council Member Wu Qiubei stated that they will express their demands in different ways, such as through the government leaders and unions jointly acknowledging frontline workers, and he said they will consider all appropriate ways to highlight workers’ rights.

In the past, Hong Kong held a march every year on May 1st to express workers’ demands, but this tradition has not been seen since 2020. When asked whether they will resume the May Day march this year, Wu Qiubei said that May 1st is an international holiday for workers, and there are various ways to express their demands. He pointed out that in recent years, the Federation has advocated for government officials and unions to jointly recognize frontline workers to foster social cohesion. When reporters asked if resuming the march is inappropriate and whether they would consider holding a carnival instead, Wu Qiubei responded that they will consider all suitable ways to highlight workers’ rights.

Federation Vice President and Labour Sector Legislative Council Member Lam Wai-keung said that May Day activities should keep pace with the times. He noted that the Industry Model Worker selection event, held for the first time last year, will continue this year; he also invited government officials to visit frontline workers in the community. He added that concerns about vocational training, upgrading and transformation, and improving the MPF will also be included in the May Day Labour Week initiatives.

Additionally, the Federation took reporters to visit the Cross-border Connectivity Center and Medical Service Center. The Federation stated that people holding a Hong Kong driving license will be able to apply for a new Mainland driving license at the center starting mid-year, meaning Hong Kong residents will no longer need to apply in Mainland China. Furthermore, since July 2024, the center has renewed Mainland driving licenses for over 6,000 Hong Kong residents.