Like around the world, Labour Day will be marked across the country today. Govt and and non-govt organisations will show up on streets to mark the day. Various functions will be held to reiterate the resolve to continue efforts for the betterment of labourers.
The theme this year is: “Celebrating the international labour movement”.
The red flags, banners and placards inscribed with slogans like “Red Salute to the Chicago Martyrs”, “Stop State Terrorism against Women”, “Stop Privatisation” and “The Revolution Will Come” have already been prepared. The laborers will also demand enforcement of labour laws, said Khalid Molvi, a Faisalabad based worker said.
The day aims to pay tribute to workers’ sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world. Pakistan’s first labor policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared an official public holiday which 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 labour rights.
In his message, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that labourers and workers play a key role in strengthening of national economy.
He said that the targets of development cannot be achieved without prosperity, empowerment and due respect to the workers. He said that Islam has declared labourer as a friend of Allah and as such acknowledged his dignity.
He said that International Labour Day is observed in the memory of those who laid down their lives for their rights. He said on this day, there is a need to renew the pledge that all out support will be extended for the welfare of labourers and protection of their rights.
The chief minister said that government is paying full attention to the welfare and uplift of workers’ community. He said that workforce of the country has full potential to achieve the targets of development.
He said that workforce is the backbone of industry and economy, therefore, Punjab government has taken solid and historic measures for the welfare of labourers. He said that a number of programmes are being implemented for the provision of treatment and residential facilities to the labourers as well as quality education to their children.
Shehbaz Sharif said that establishment of quality educational institutions for the children of labourers besides social security hospitals and labour colonies are a proof of labour-friendly policies of Punjab government. He said that workers are fully benefiting from the labour-friendly measures taken by provincial government. He said that welfare measures for labourers will continue in future as well.
