ISLAMABAD: Labour Day also known as ‘May Day’ is being observed around the world including Pakistan to express solidarity with workers and labours.
Labour Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers. It has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have said the government believed in dignity of labour and is committed to provide workers better working conditions.
In their separate messages on the occasion of International Labour Day, they said the government is resolved to provide better housing, medical and education facilities to the workforce.
They said it is heartening to note that government took a number of practical steps for improving the conditions of the workers and further stressed upon the needs to raise their skills and productivity.
In Lahore, several labour organizations, political parties and social organizations are taking out rallies in support of labour community’s rights. Banners have been displayed on various roads of the provincial capital, inscribed with slogans for labourers’ rights.
In Peshawar, a function under the auspices of Bonded Labour Organization in connection with Labour Day is being held at Durrani Labour Hall today. A rally to highlight the rights and to express solidarity with labourers will be taken out from Atta Labour Hall this afternoon. Rallies organized by All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union and Rickshaw union will be held at GT Road, Peshawar. In Balochistan, various labour and political organizations are organizing seminars and rallies to mark May Day in different cities of the province.
Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri on this occasion said Provincial Government gives highest importance to welfare of labourers. He said six economic Zones will be set up in the province under CPEC which would create immense opportunities of employment for skilled workforce. The day was first proposed in the late 19th century by trade unionists as the labour movement gained significance. In 1894, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve legislation to make Labor Day a national holiday which was signed by President Grover Cleveland. It is celebrated in more than 80 countries around the world. However, many countries such as the United States and Canada celebrate the day on the first Monday of September.
The United Nations through its agency the International Labour Organization (ILO) deals with labour issues and international labour standards, social protection and work opportunities for all. In Pakistan Labour Day also known as May Day was declared a national holiday in 1972 when the first labour policy was devised. Pakistan has been member of the ILO since independence in 1947. Pakistan has ratified 36 ILO conventions of which eight are core conventions. The day is marked by rallies and processions, labour union sessions and seminars, and organized street demonstrations where union leaders and civil society activists deliver speeches about the history and significance of the day and labour rights and express solidarity with workers from around the world.
