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STAFF REPORTER

PALMA
UNIONS in the Balearic Islands will be celebrating 120 years of “International Labour Day” tomorrow, with separate marches in different parts of Palma, representatives said yesterday.

However, the Workers Commission (CCOO) and the General Workers Union (UGT)will be waving the same banners on 1st May, reading: “In favour of workers' rights and guaranteed pensions.” CCOO leader in the Balearics, Katiana Vicens said that the current economic crisis demonstrates how very necessary “International Labour Day” remains.
The UGT and CCOO will be marching together tomorrow at 11.30am from Plaza España, down Paseo del Borne and will mark May Day celebrations in the Parc de la Mar with a “huge barbecue” accompanied by music. Amusements for children will be included. The two unions, joined at a press conference by representatives from the International Union Confederation (CSI), said that it was “essential” that controls were imposed on black market labour so that “genuine productivity growth could be guaranteed.” The Workers' Union (USO) will also be setting out from Plaza España at 11.30 but in another direction, planning to finish their march in Puerta de San Antonio. Also leaving Plaza España at the same time tomorrow will be the Balearic branch of the General Confederation of Workers (CGT) and the Teachers' Union (STEI) who will end May Day celebrations in Plaza del Rosario.

The CGT and STEI are using the occasion to address the economic crisis “from a union standpoint,” said representatives yesterday.
All the unions were united in their recognition of the need to create jobs. UGT and CCOO emphasised the need for “rights” to accompany employment, USO said jobs were the key to the future, and CGT and STEI claimed that employment underpinned social cohesion and the fabric of society.