Laborers Union in Kobani supports their rights, promoting social solidarity

The Laborers Union of the Democratic Society Movement in Kobani issued a statement on Friday on the occasion of the International Workers' Day, May 1st. The statement was read in Kurdish by Mohamed Darwish; the co-chair of the Kobani Laborers Union, and in Arabic by Badia Meho; the co-chair of the Women's Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), with the participation of dozens of members of civil society organizations, political parties, women's organizations, and doctors.

The statement extended greetings and salutations to the working class, artisans, and all laborers in various regions, and praised the efforts of workers and laborers in the city of resistance, Kobani, who continue to work diligently and devotedly to build a better reality and contribute significantly to development, progress, and reconstruction despite the challenging circumstances.

The statement noted that the continuous daily efforts of the working class are a source of pride and honor, as it works with unwavering determination and perseverance, facing difficulties with indomitable will, driven by its belief that dignity begins with work and contribution to building societies and preserving dignity.

The statement recalled the sacrifices made throughout history in the pursuit of social justice, freedom, and dignity, and the role of workers in establishing and reinforcing these values.

The statement explained that this occasion represents a renewed milestone in the struggle, embodying the historical role of the working class as a fundamental force for freedom, social justice, and dignity, confronting all forms of exploitation and oppression, and restoring the rights and values usurped by authoritarian regimes.

It noted that the workers' struggle is a cumulative and protracted process that has become increasingly complex in the Syrian context in general, and in Rojava in particular, due to security and economic challenges, including Turkish attacks targeting infrastructure, the ISIS attack on Kobani, and intermittent periods of siege.

The statement noted that workers faced harsh conditions during those periods, violating their right to life and work through policies of killing, siege, starvation, and displacement, in addition to economic restrictions, high unemployment rates, and widespread exploitation. It emphasized that these challenges did not deter them from continuing their role in building and resilience.

The statement affirmed continued support for workers and the strengthening of their rights, working to improve their living and working conditions in a manner commensurate with their sacrifices and contributions to building and advancing society, ensuring protection for them and their families, and consolidating the principles of social justice.

It stressed that unity is strength and division is weakness and defeat, and that organization and struggle represent the only way to confront the reality of misery, exploitation, and social injustice. It asserted that the workers' weapon, wherever they may be, is solidarity, and that workers' rights are not a gift, but a fixed and inalienable legal and moral right.

The statement wished security, stability, prosperity, and a dignified life for all peoples, including workers and laborers in Syria in general and Rojava in particular, and expressed hope that this year would mark the beginning of the end of the conflicts for which workers and peoples are paying the price.

He called upon all Syrians, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or sectarian affiliations, to seize this occasion as an opportunity for unity and solidarity, to reject hate speech and animosity, and to stand against the attempts of forces seeking to perpetuate violence and bloodshed.

He also stressed the necessity of joint action to build a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria that guarantees a dignified life and freedom for all, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening the role of Syrian women in general, and Kurdish women in particular, and empowering them as essential partners in production and resilience.

The statement concluded by noting that, due to the current circumstances in the region, and in solidarity with the families of prisoners, the missing, and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom, dignity, and justice, the celebrations that had been planned for this occasion have been cancelled.

He affirmed that this day will remain a day of solidarity and action for humanity, dignity, and freedom, a day of loyalty to the sacrifices of the martyrs and prisoners, and a day to join ranks against injustice, exploitation, and tyranny.