In a visit to the Workers’ Hospital of the Chilean Safety Association (ACHS), President Gabriel Boric, accompanied by the Minister of Labor, Jeannette Jara, marked the celebration of Worker’s Day. The event was attended by union and business figures, such as David Acuña and Ricardo Mewes, leaders of the Unitary Central of Workers (CUT) and the Confederation of Production and Commerce (CPC), respectively.
During his speech, the president emphasized the intrinsic relationship between security, freedom, democracy and justice. “I want a country that is safe, free, democratic and fair. For our government, and even more so for our society, security is a priority today,” Boric declared, highlighting the need to address political differences with seriousness and commitment.
Boric also emphasized the urgency of legislating on permanent issues in a serious and consensual manner, alluding to recent parliamentary agreements as an example of the necessary prudence and urgency. In addition, he highlighted the measures taken by his government to reinforce institutional security, an area that he considered previously neglected.
The government “has approved an unprecedented number of laws to strengthen the institutions in matters of State security, which were behind and today we are not updating them. Know that there are no magic wands. This requires work, seriousness, a lot of commitment and conviction. With security you don’t improvise and here it’s not about who shouts the loudest or whoever proposes the most bizarre solution, but rather that we be serious, consistent and coherent.”
Another central theme in her public intervention was the recognition of care work, mostly carried out by women, as a fundamental pillar of society. “Work is dignified and we must give it the corresponding value,” she stated, advocating for greater co-responsibility in the upbringing and care of sick and elderly people.
On issues of labor policy and economic growth, the President reflected on the need to overcome political divisions and put Chile first, especially with regard to pension reform. “We have had differences for too long, but I have no doubt that if we put Chile first we will reach agreements,” he said, expressing his hope that the pension reform will be voted on in the Senate committee during May.