The Covid pandemic has caused dramatic changes to almost every aspect of the world of work. A significant number of people found themselves unemployed, many were suspended from their work or sent into short work, and others had to fear dismissal. Workers have died after contracting the deadly virus at the workplace, often as a result of inadequate occupational health and safety protection, and the majority of the working population has learned to follow demanding health protocols that often affect their performance and increase their fatigue.

At the same time, new working patterns have emerged and flexible forms of work have seen a rapid unfolding. Especially teleworking has become the rule for millions of workers worldwide, as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, which as meant new risks for their mental health and their ability to balance working and private life.

Today, on May 1, CESI Secretary General, Klaus Heeger highlights the special importance of this year’s Labor Day for all workers and particularly for those who have been at the front line in the fight against the virus: “Today we express our gratitude to all those workers who continue to risk their lives for us: the doctors and the nurses, the cleaners, the emergency agencies, the delivery couriers, and many others in the public and private services. After one year in this tremendous crisis, we realize more than ever the value of solidarity and the need for effective protective mechanisms for workers and their rights. Even in this new and unexpected era, the demands of the workers at the Haymarket Square of Chicago still hold true today: ‘Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will.’ Today, we honor the struggles of the labour movement and focus our attention on the challenges of our times: decent working conditions and health and safety protection, fair remuneration and sound representation for every worker, during and after the pandemic!”

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