The annual Dublin Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) May Day march and rally sets off from Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square at 1.30pm on Sunday 1st May. There will be a march to a public meeting outside Liberty Hall.

The rally will call for peace and condemn the ongoing attack on Ukraine. It will also call for an improved public health service model and demand an end to the housing crisis. Music and a social event will take place in Liberty Hall after the rally.

May Day is seen by millions of people across the world as a day to celebrate workers’ solidarity.

In 1889, an international federation of socialist groups and trade unions designated May 1st as a day in support of workers in memory of the lives lost at Haymarket.

Workers have since won the eight-hour workday amongst numerous other protections, but over 130 years later, many still fight for basic dignities.

Speaking on May Day last year, President Michael D Higgins reflected on the achievements of those at Haymarket and others who came before us.

“The benefits and rights that workers and families enjoy today have been won through the energy and dedication of union leaders, representatives and activist members who have negotiated, lobbied and taken action, often at personal cost, to ensure fairer and better workplaces and societies.”

However, with a word of warning, he implored the Irish people not to be complacent. “Lest we be tempted to rest on the laurels of these achievements. We must remember that workers’ rights are never a given, are always under threat, and continue to be undermined and eroded,” President Higgins said.