The Union of Trade Unions has organized a protest in front of the Ministry of Economy on the occasion of May 1, International Workers' Day.
Holding banners with messages such as “A worker’s life is not a business cost” and “A living wage, not a survival wage,” citizens and union representatives demanded improved working conditions and increased workers’ rights. The protest was marked by limited participation, as well as a lack of young people.
Participants have demanded, among other things, the creation of a special ministry for labor and the adoption of a dignified living wage.
The Director of the Union of Trade Unions of Albania, Kondi Lija, stated that May 1 should not be seen as a holiday, but as a day of protest and demand for better rights at work. He raised concerns about the increase in accidents and loss of life in the workplace, noting that according to him, the number of deaths at work has increased by 45% compared to the previous year, while accidents have doubled. Lija criticized the lack of effective institutional controls and called for urgent interventions, including the adoption of a living wage in Parliament.
Meanwhile, another protest is taking place in front of the Prime Minister's Office, organized by the Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania.
