The May Day rally of the Joint Trade Union Alliance in Sri Lanka, according to the provided source, prioritized supporting Sri Lankan industries dependent on US markets over advocating for the jobs and conditions of workers. The rally’s main focus was bolstering these industries to remain competitive amidst global economic shifts, specifically in response to rising protectionism from the US and Europe.
The article claims the rally served as a platform for promoting the interests of Sri Lankan capitalists and the ruling class, rather than addressing the pressing issues faced by the working class, such as unemployment, wage stagnation, and declining living standards. It highlights how the unions’ rhetoric centered around competitiveness and productivity, effectively endorsing policies that prioritize profit maximization over worker welfare.
The rally advocated for policies to attract foreign investment and enhance Sri Lanka’s export capabilities. The author argues this approach aligns with the government’s neoliberal agenda, which aims to integrate Sri Lanka further into the global capitalist system at the expense of worker rights and social protections. The author posits the unions’ collaboration with the government and big business demonstrates their allegiance lies with maintaining the status quo, which benefits the wealthy elite, rather than fighting for genuine improvements in the lives of Sri Lankan workers.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/13/zgej-m13.html