Unity in a time that splits

May 1 is not just a celebration of workers’ victories over decades of struggle. There is a day to look the reality of the eyes – and choose unity where the forces around us will split. Because today it is not just wages and conditions that are at stake. These are our values.

The world is characterized by unrest and uncertainty. We stand at a critical point in history – not just as a society, but as fellow human beings. It’s scary. But there is also a time to show who we are and what we stand for.

When we look at the United States and Europe, we see a political project that threatens what we have built since 1945: A world order based on human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence. We are now living in a fate, where we see that old thought has gained wind in the sails. We see a development characterized by polarization and individualization. The distances between people are increasing and the crises are in line. These are not single events. It’s a wave – and it reminds us of something we thought we had left behind.

We cannot choose who the crises are striking, but we can choose how we meet them. The best way to do it is through a strong trade union movement, which has always been the foremost protection in the fight against these forces.

We do it through fellowship. Through solidarity. Through the belief that our strength lies in what we lift together – not what we fight separately.

One of the biggest threats of our time is the systematic weakening of the public sector. When confidence in the welfare state is weakened, the community and the safety net for those who need it most. That is why we in the FO are at the forefront to fight for, and to strengthen the welfare state.

Trust is not free. It must be built – by people, with people, for humans. And when it is strong, it is the best defense we have.

As part of LO stands in the broad community. From industry to care. From bureaucrat to caretaker. Together we build solutions for the whole.

There is no neutral position between right and injustice. We also can’t choose what time we live in, but we can choose how we live in it. We choose to meet it together. We choose unity. Not because it’s easy. But because it’s right.

Good match day!

Heidi Elisabeth Pedersen

Leader Fo Finnmark