The first of May is more than yet another holiday. On this date, Workers’ Day, the working class all over the planet celebrates the key role it plays in socio economic development and the achievements of the labour movement. Even the citizens of our small Zambian town Choma joined in the celebrations with a gathering under the theme of “Promoting Economic Growth through the Decent Work Agenda”.

The celebration took place in a familial atmosphere. Local drama teams performed situations of a worker’s daily struggles and different trade union representatives held speeches. After an opening prayer (as is custom in Zambian protocol), the honourable District Commissioner of Choma, Mr. Laiven Apulani, shared his concerns for an agricultural development that should secure the availability of food, and he spoke out against the increase  of child labour in tobacco farming. He also appealed for civil officers to perform their social service effectively, since economic growth has been severely hindered by cases of authorities arriving late for work and leaving work earlier than they should.

Many daring statements were made as the different representatives used this rare chance of public dialogue, which intended to create new perspectives on economic growth. Some highlights elaborated during the meeting were:

• “Decent work” not merely as a motto, but as a movement of social contribution
• Productivity in Zambia and the redistribution of wealth to its citizens
• Putting a stop to the abuse of workers’ rights
• Equal work for equal pay
• Gender equity
• Fighting corruption and the misuse of public funds

A gloomy pessimism hovered over part of the celebration as the participants considered the obvious shortage skills in Zambia. It is a mighty obstacle towards developing the country’s economy. Many fingers were pointed at the government for failing to improve the country’s educational system.

But Choma’s commemoration of Workers’ Day ended on a good note: cultural dance groups provided festive entertainment and some workers were given gifts, such as blankets, mattresses, television and radio sets, bicycles and many others as tokens of appreciation for the productive contribution they had made towards society.