LAHORE – Like other parts of the globe, International Labour Day or May Day is being observed across the country today (Tuesday) with the renewed pledge to acknowledge and promote the dignity of workers.
A public holiday has been announced for all government and private organisations, educational institutions, while markets will also remain closed to observe the workers’ day.
The labour wings of political parties and trade bodies have chalked out special programmes to highlight the importance of the day and rights of the labourers.
Seminars and rallies will be held in different cities to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 for the rights of the labourers.
Pakistan’s first labour policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared an official holiday. This policy also formulated the creation of the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund.
Pakistan’s Constitution also contains various provisions and articles about labor rights.
It is important to note that Pakistan became a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) right after its independence in 1947.
Messages From Government
Paying rich tribute to valiant workers of Pakistan and around the world, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government was fully committed to taking all measures, in cooperation with the provincial governments, for the welfare of workers as well as for raising their living standards.
President Mamnoon Hussain said that various projects aim at resolving issues of workers were being undertaken by the government.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, “The day [Labour Day] reminds us about martyrs of Chicago and their struggle against oppression and tyranny”.
He added that the day also aimed at speeding up the efforts to ensure the dignity and provision of suitable wages to the working class”.
Google Doodle
Google Doodle also celebrates the International Workers’ Day, on Tuesday depicting a host of tools representing various professions including a stethoscope, a hard hat, a laboratory beacon and cooking appliances.
Social Media on Labour Day
https://twitter.com/AsgharIrshad/status/991150569707507712
https://twitter.com/maniusman2/status/991038404614860801
https://twitter.com/rehanmushtaq1/status/991130027801575429
Highlighting the plight of workers in Pakistan, a user has urged government to ban domestic child labour and recognise women’s contribution in economy.
https://twitter.com/gabeeno/status/991162328505901056
