Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The International Workers’ Day (Labour Day) is being observed today (Monday) across the globe, including Pakistan, to acknowledge workers’ achievements and promote social justice and universally acknowledged human and social rights. Labour Day is a public holiday in Pakistan that is marked by rallies, marches, processions, labour and worker union sessions. It is sometimes referred to as May Day. Labour unions throughout Pakistan organise seminars, and rallies where union leaders deliver speeches highlighting the history of Labour Day and its importance. All government and non-government organisations, factories and educational institutions remain closed. Laborers may willingly work on Labor Day, with or without payment of higher than normal wages. Pakistan’s first labor policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared an official holiday. This policy also formulated the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund. Pakistan’s Constitution also contains various provisions and articles about labor rights. Pakistan became a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) right after its independence in 1947. The ILO is a United Nations (UN) specialised agency and Pakistan has ratified 36 ILO conventions.