DILI, 01 May 2026 (TATOLI) — President José Ramos-Horta on Thursday called for stronger labour protections, expanded formal employment and greater social dialogue in Timor-Leste, saying workers remain at the center of the country’s development amid growing global economic and technological challenges.
In a message marking the Labour Day, Ramos-Horta paid tribute to workers across sectors, describing them as the foundation of the nation.
“Today, on the World Labour Day, we honour the backbone of our nation. From the rice paddies and coffee plantations to our hospitals, classrooms, markets and public services, your hands and hearts build our country every day,” he said.
The president said Labour Day represents the long struggle for dignity, fair treatment and justice for workers worldwide.
He also highlighted mounting global pressures affecting workers, including geopolitical conflicts, inflation, automation and climate change.
“Around the globe, workers are facing forces of geopolitical conflicts disrupt supply chains, inflation, the rapid advance of artificial intelligence and automation threatens some jobs while creating others and the climate crisis,” Ramos-Horta said.
He noted that Timor-Leste remains vulnerable to external shocks despite its small size, with rising global food and fuel prices affecting households, economic slowdowns limiting job opportunities for young people, and increasingly unpredictable weather placing added pressure on farmers and fishers.
“When global food and fuel prices rise, it is the family buying rice at the market who feels it first. When the global economy slows, it is our young people seeking their first job who wait the longest,” he said.
The president, however, said global disruptions also create new opportunities for Timor-Leste, particularly in renewable energy, digital inclusion and fair trade.
“Yet, I refuse to paint a picture only of despair. Because in crisis also lies opportunity,” he said.
Ramos-Horta urged the government, employers and labour groups to work together to address both domestic challenges and global labour trends.
“I call upon the Government, employers and social partners to work together with an eye on both our national realities and global trends. This means expanding formal employment and social protection for all,” he said.
He also stressed the need to strengthen collective bargaining, improve occupational safety standards and enforce labour laws, including equal pay protections.
“We must strengthen social dialogue through collective negotiation to promote dignified work in the workplace. We must enforce occupational safety and health standards even as new climate and technological risks emerge, and ensure strict compliance with the Labour Code and the principle of equal pay for equal work, without discrimination of any kind,” he added.
Ramos-Horta concluded his message by calling for national unity and collective action.
“On this Labour Day, let us walk toward that dawn together with courage, determination and together as one Timorese family.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
