During their tour, the students visited Nantes and Angers in the Loire Valley region. They explored various horticultural sites, including Pépinières Lepage, which produces approximately 3 million perennials and grasses annually. The students also learned about sustainable practices from Vincent Favreau, an organic market gardener in Saumur, who utilizes 3 hectares of land for his organic gardening business.

The tour included a visit to L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, known for its specialization in horticultural production and landscape design. Additionally, they visited L’Arboretum Gaston Allard, which features around 1,000 mature trees from an 18th-century collection. This exposure provided students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and best practices in horticulture.

As the students returned from their tour, they faced the backdrop of impending demonstrations. On May 1, between 110,000 and 160,000 people are expected to participate in marches across France. The CGT union has called for these protests to address concerns over the high cost of living and to demand fair compensation for workers.

The demonstrations will take place at approximately 320 locations throughout major towns and cities across France. This annual event highlights the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.

The Tour de France is also on the horizon, with Stage 1 set to take place in the Scottish Borders on July 2, 2027. This iconic cycling event is broadcast in over 190 countries and reaches an estimated global audience of 3.5-4 billion people.

This sequence of events underscores the importance of sustainability in agriculture and the persistent fight for workers’ rights in France. As CAFRE students apply what they learned about horticulture back home, they will do so against a backdrop of activism that continues to shape societal norms.

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In Argentina, thousands protested against President Javier Milei’s overhaul of labour protections, reflecting a growing discontent among the workforce. Meanwhile, in Gaza, over 550,000 workers face unemployment due to the ongoing economic crisis exacerbated by conflict.

Historically, International Workers’ Day was established in response to labour movements in the late 19th century. The Second International declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day in 1889, marking a significant moment in the fight for workers’ rights.

Key statistics:

• 93 trade union organizations represented by the European Trade Union Confederation
• 550,000 workers across Gaza and the West Bank currently without income
• The Haymarket Affair in 1886 catalyzed the establishment of this day as a symbol of labour struggles

Josua Mata, a representative from the Philippines, stated that “every Filipino worker now is aware that the situation here is deeply connected to the global crisis.” Renato Reyes echoed similar sentiments, asserting that “there will be a louder call for higher wages and economic relief because of the unprecedented spikes in fuel prices.”

The Durham Miners’ Gala remains an important event celebrating workers’ struggles in North East England. As Labour Day continues to resonate globally, trade unions remain pivotal in advocating for collective bargaining and fair labour practices.

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Paul Novak from the TUC, Jane Aitchison, and Richard Burgon MP addressed the crowd, emphasizing that May Day is a vivid reminder that working-class politics is not a spectator sport. This event underscores the importance of activism in securing fair treatment for workers.

The historical roots of May Day trace back to ancient Roman and Celtic traditions. In the UK, its popularity surged during the medieval period, especially in the Victorian era. The Leeds May Day march reflects this long-standing tradition of advocating for labor rights and community well-being.

This year’s celebration also highlights current issues faced by public service sectors. Notably, there are around 27,000 Community Health Workers in South Africa who have recently fought for integration into their national public health workforce. This struggle resonates with many in the UK who seek better conditions and recognition in their own professions.

Key statistics from recent labor movements include:

• 60,000 new members recruited by Fórsa since 2018
• 10,000 new members Fórsa recruited in 2024 alone
• 20,000 net growth of UNISON members last year

The Leeds May Day march is organized by Leeds TUC alongside Stand Up To Racism. This partnership emphasizes the intersectionality of various social justice issues, uniting diverse groups under common goals.

As Khady Diaga passionately stated during the event, You can fire me if you want, but I will not stop asking for better pay, and I will continue to encourage my colleagues to do the same. This sentiment captures the determination of many workers fighting for their rights today.

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The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant changes to union recognition and workers’ rights, set to take effect on April 6, 2026. One of the most notable changes is that unions will no longer need to demonstrate that most workers in a proposed bargaining unit support recognition. This removes the previous requirement for petitions or similar evidence for union recognition.

Furthermore, when recognition is decided by ballot, unions will only need a simple majority of votes cast, eliminating the former 40% support requirement for union recognition.

In addition to changes in union recognition, the Act also enhances workers’ rights. Workers will now be able to claim statutory sick pay as soon as they become unwell. Moreover, they will be entitled to paternity and parental leave from the first day of employment, although parental leave will be unpaid.

Despite these advancements, the Labour Party’s plans for workers’ rights have faced criticism. Union leaders have described Labour’s proposals as “watered down versions” of previous commitments. Sharon Graham, leader of the Unite union, stated that Labour’s workers’ rights plans were now a “burnt out shell,” expressing concern over the party’s failure to back workers adequately.

Graham further remarked, “We are affiliated to Labour, but it’s harder and harder to justify that if they’re not backing workers.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among unions regarding Labour’s commitment to ending practices such as fire and rehire and zero hours contracts, which have not yet been fulfilled.

Additionally, it has been noted that paid leave is now deemed to be an “unaffordable” commitment under the new law, raising questions about the feasibility of supporting workers adequately in the long term.

As the implementation date approaches, observers are keenly watching how these changes will impact both workers and unions in the UK. The updated CAC Application and Response processes will also be in effect for new applications submitted on or after the effective date.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of these changes, but the landscape of employment rights in the UK is poised for a significant transformation.

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