May Day Rally

Media release – Unions Tasmania, 15 May 2021

Tasmanian union and community members to march for May Day

Hundreds of union and community members will gather today for belated May Day celebrations in Hobart.

May Day events were cancelled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions that banned gatherings at the time and this year’s event, originally scheduled for the 1st of May, was pushed out due to the State Election.

“To say that workers are looking forward to finally getting together to celebrate May Day is an understatement,” said Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday. “May Day is special to unionists as its about celebrating the achievements of workers and the positive contribution we’ve made to improving workplaces and our community. It’s now been two years since we’ve been able to march together.”

“The last twelve months have been hard for everyone and have been particularly hard on workers who faced sackings, reduced hours and stand-downs. It was workers that carried us through the pandemic. Today, we march not just to recognise historic union achievements but to celebrate everything workers have done to keep us safe and keep our country moving through the pandemic,” said Ms Munday.

ACTU President, Michele O’Neil, will also join the march.