MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguayan Labor Minister recalls the Chicago workers' protests

Castillo urged all Uruguayans to “join efforts” and “work to take care of children and adolescents living in poverty”

Uruguayan Labor Minister Juan Castillo Thursday underlined the need to debate reducing working hours to improve quality of life, social justice, and equality. During his Workers' Day speech broadcast on national radio and television, he recounted the historical significance of the date, referencing the Chicago workers' protests for an eight-hour workday, which led to violent repression and the prosecution of union leaders. Castillo also highlighted his country's labor milestones, including the 1915 law establishing the eight-hour workday and its 2008 extension to rural and domestic workers.

“The demand of the working class in the world was to conquer a more dignified life, and, in that framework, they fought for the reduction of the working day. At that time, it was normal that the daily working time of men, women, and minors was extended by 12, 14, and even 16 mandatory hours and without the right to overtime pay or compensatory breaks,” the minister noted.

In 1889 in Chicago (United States), “a bloody repression was unleashed that cost several lives, dozens of wounded, and hundreds of demonstrators were arrested by the police. Eight of them, union leaders and anarchist leaders, were prosecuted and sentenced to prison. One of them committed suicide in prison, according to official reports. Four were murdered by hanging, and the other three were released years later, unbelievably, without charges against them,” he also recalled.

He also addressed global challenges, such as environmental degradation and inequality driven by international trade wars, urging action to protect natural resources. “We must be able to reverse the greed that exploits natural resources and win the battle for the care of the environment, air, land, and water to ensure our existence as a species,” Castillo stressed.

Castillo also outlined his ministry’s priorities for the upcoming Wage Councils, focusing on wage increases, tripartite dialogue, job training, gender equality, occupational safety, cooperativism, and housing access.

In addition, the Minister also underscored President Yamandú Orsi's government’s commitment to dialogue, adherence to International Labor Organization (ILO) standards, and tackling inequality after 40 years of democracy.

Castillo concluded by calling for collective efforts to address poverty, education, housing, and productive development to achieve greater social justice. He particularly urged all Uruguayans to “join efforts” and “work to take care of children and adolescents living in poverty.”