ITUC challenges Namibia to withdraw May Day cleanup campaign

WINDHOEK, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) representing trade unions worldwide on Thursday urged Namibia to withdraw plans to carry out a nationwide cleanup campaign on Workers Day.

In a letter written to President Hage Geingob, the trade union which represents over 207 million workers in 163 countries, expressed deep disappointment.

The workers body urged the Namibian government to withdraw the clean day proposal and to keep May Day celebrations dedicated to the labour struggles around the world.

"May Day celebrations are internationally recognized as the cornerstone of democratic societies and they represent the achievements of generations of working people struggling for their rights.

"Changing the scope of May Day represents an attack against the legitimate activities on trade unions in Namibia and is a blow for the whole trade union movement around the world, and we strongly denounce it," the letter read.

Earlier this month, Geingob announced that this year's Workers Day will be used as a nationwide cleanup campaign.

Geingob said he chose May Day for this exercise after consulting several relevant stakeholders on cleaning the country on Workers' Day. Enditem