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Lebanon
Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar indicated that "On the First of May, we pause in reverence and appreciation before the contributions of the Lebanese worker, this human being who has proven, once again, that he is the solid foundation upon which the nation stands, and the backbone that does not bend despite all the crises and challenges facing Lebanon."
Minister of Labor Mohammad Haidar indicated that "On the First of May, we pause in reverence and appreciation before the contributions of the Lebanese worker, this human being who has proven, once again, that he is the solid foundation upon which the nation stands, and the backbone that does not bend despite all the crises and challenges facing Lebanon."
Haidar addressed the workers in a statement on the occasion of Labor Day, saying: "Labor Day this year, as in the previous two years, comes burdened with pain, mixed with pure blood offered by the Lebanese, and you are at the forefront, in light of the Israeli aggression that spared neither human nor stone, and did not exclude a sector, institution, factory, or source of livelihood. The aggression machine directly affected the labor sector, causing massive losses, striking production sources, and exhausting workers and employers alike."
He added: "Nevertheless, you have proven that you are unbreakable. You have proven that your will is stronger than the aggression, and that your steadfastness is a weapon against all attempts at subjugation. The labor sector in Lebanon, despite all the heavy prices it pays, remains steadfast thanks to you, firm in your will, and alive with your determination."
He added: "From my position as Minister of Labor, I assure you that I will be your sincere voice and the echo of your suffering in all international forums. My upcoming participation in the International Labor Conference at the United Nations - Geneva early next month will be based on carrying this file in all its dimensions, to present the truth of the systematic aggressions the labor sector in Lebanon is subjected to, and to demand your full rights before international public opinion."
He promised that "This file will not be closed, nor neglected, nor will any right for which there is a claimant be lost, no matter how severe the aggression, and no matter how long it takes. Your steadfastness gives us strength, and your resilience compels us to continue raising our voices high to tell the world: In Lebanon, there are workers and employers, national heroes, steadfast for the dignity and elevation of their homeland."
He concluded: "On your holiday, we bow before your sacrifices, and renew our commitment to stand by you, defend your rights, and work to protect this sector which constitutes the beating heart of Lebanon. Every year, you are the emblem of steadfastness... And every year, Lebanon is stronger because of you."
