ZAGREB, May 1, 2018 – The Federation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia and the Association of Croatian Trade Unions are marking this year’s International Workers’ Day, observed on May 1, with a joint union protest march under the slogan “For reforms, for the people,” demanding fairer wages and better working conditions, a dignified life for elderly citizens, quality education and accessible health system, effective judiciary and public administration and changed relations toward and within the EU.
The protest march start in front of the unions’ headquarters and ended in Maksimir Park where May 1 is traditionally marked. Unions from Pula, Rijeka, Varaždin, Čakovec, Karlovac, Sisak, Slavonski Brod and Osijek have joined the protest march in Zagreb.
The date May 1 was chosen for International Workers’ Day to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on 4 May 1886. The police were trying to disperse a public assembly during a general strike for the eight-hour workday, when an unidentified person threw a bomb at the police. The police responded by firing on the workers, killing four protesters.
Croatia marked International Workers’ Time for the first time in 1890.
In Zagreb, numerous residents gathered in Maksimir Park for the traditional celebration of International Workers’ Day, where representatives of political parties gave them carnations.
The city organised the event, including 60,000 free meals and music.
