Workers’ Day 2025: Is Africa Balancing Between Celebration and Struggle?

As Africa joins the global community in marking Workers’ Day on May 1, 2025, the continent finds itself at a crossroads—celebrating hard-won labor rights while grappling with persistent challenges that threaten workers’ welfare and dignity.

A Continent in Reflection

In Nigeria, the day is observed with a mix of pride and frustration. The Labour Party acknowledged the sacrifices of workers, from nurses to teachers, emphasizing their role in the nation’s survival. However, they also criticized decades of failed policies that have left workers underpaid and overburdened, calling for a political future that prioritizes workers’ welfare .

Similarly, in Ethiopia, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) used the occasion to highlight unresolved issues, including the need for income tax adjustments in line with inflation and the establishment of a national minimum wage. Despite previous discussions with government officials, many concerns remain unaddressed, prompting calls for concrete action .

Policy Shifts and Promises

Some governments have responded with policy initiatives aimed at improving workers’ conditions. Morocco announced a plan to increase the net salary of public sector workers to MAD 10,100 by 2026, allocating MAD 27.1 billion ($2.7 billion) to the initiative through the end of 2025 .

In South Africa, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) celebrated achievements such as the National Minimum Wage and pension reforms. However, they also highlighted ongoing challenges like deindustrialization and job losses, urging workers to unite in confronting these issues .

Calls for Inclusive and Just Transitions

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) emphasized the need for trade agreements, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to integrate strong labor rights protections. They called for national industrialization policies that prioritize job creation, fair wages, and social protection, ensuring that workers benefit from economic growth .

Addressing Health and Discrimination

In Nigeria, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) used Workers’ Day to advocate for inclusive workplaces for people living with HIV. They called on employers, unions, and government bodies to champion HIV awareness, education, and zero-discrimination policies, highlighting that nearly two million people in Nigeria are living with HIV, many of whom are active members of the workforce .

Conclusion

Workers’ Day 2025 serves as both a celebration of labor achievements and a reminder of the work that remains. Across Africa, the day is marked by a collective call for governments, employers, and society to prioritize workers’ rights, ensure fair compensation, and create inclusive, supportive workplaces. As the continent navigates economic transitions and global challenges, the voices of its workers remain central to shaping a just and equitable future.