Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Labour Day also knows as May Day was observed in the country, and around the world, on Sunday with pledges to give rights to labourers and workers.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have said the government believed in dignity of labourers and is committed to provide workers better working conditions.

In their separate messages on the occasion of International Labour Day, they reaffirmed their resolve to provide better housing, medical and education facilities to the workforce.

They said the government has taken various steps for improving the conditions of the workers and stressed upon the needs to raise their skills and productivity. In Lahore, several labour organisations, political parties and social organisations took out rallies in support of labour community’s rights. Banners were displayed on various roads of the provincial capital, inscribed with slogans for labourers’ rights.

In Peshawar, a function under the auspices of Bonded Labour Organisation in connection with Labour Day was held at Durrani Labour Hall on Sunday. A rally to highlight the rights and to express solidarity with labourers was also taken out from Atta Labour Hall. Rallies organised by All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Workers Union and Rickshaw union was also held at GT Road, Peshawar.

In Balochistan, various labour and political organisations organised seminars and rallies to mark May Day in different cities of the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri said the provincial government gives highest importance to welfare of labourers. He said six economic zones will be set up in the province under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (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 the then 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 – International Labour Organisation (ILO) – deals with labour issues and international labour standards, social protection and work opportunities for all.

In Pakistan Labour Day also was declared a national holiday in 1972, when the first labour policy was devised. Pakistan has been a member of the International Labour Organisation (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 organised street demonstrations where union leaders and civil society activists deliver speeches about the history and significance of the day, and express solidarity with workers from around the world.