Every year on May 1st, people around the world celebrate International Labour Day, also known as May Day. This day is a reminder of the hard-fought struggles of workers for better working conditions, fair wages, and basic human rights.
History Of This Day
The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th century, when the labor movement in the United States demanded an eight-hour workday. On May 1, 1886, workers across the country went on strike, and in the ensuing days, protests and demonstrations erupted in major cities across the country. The movement spread to other countries, and May Day became an international symbol of workers' solidarity and struggle.
Today, Labour Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many European and Latin American countries. In some countries, it is a public holiday, and workers take the day off to participate in parades, rallies, and other events.
In India, Labour Day is known as "Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas" and is a national holiday. The day is celebrated in honor of the contributions and struggles of workers, and to highlight the need for better working conditions and fair wages.
Theme Of International Labour Day 2023
The theme of this year's Labour Day is "Building back better for an equitable and sustainable world". This theme reflects the need to address the challenges facing workers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including job loss, economic insecurity, and the erosion of workers' rights.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the deep inequalities in our societies, including the unequal distribution of wealth and power. The pandemic has also highlighted the essential role of workers in keeping our societies running, from healthcare workers and grocery store clerks to delivery drivers and sanitation workers.
On this Labour Day, we must recognize the vital contributions of workers and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring their rights and dignity. This includes ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages, and the right to form unions and engage in collective bargaining.
Recognize The Struggle Of Labours
Unfortunately, workers' rights are under attack in many countries around the world. In some countries, workers are subject to exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. In other countries, workers are denied basic rights like the right to organize and bargain collectively.
As an NGO, we are committed to promoting and protecting workers' rights around the world. We work with local organizations and communities to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to organize.
One of the key ways we support workers is by promoting fair trade practices. Fair trade is a movement that seeks to create more equitable trading relationships between producers in developing countries and consumers in the global North. Fair trade ensures that workers receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
On this Labour Day, we call on governments, businesses, and individuals to support workers' rights and dignity. We must ensure that workers are not left behind as we work to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
Parting Thoughts
International Labour Day is an important reminder of the struggles of workers for basic human rights and dignity. As a NGO in Lucknow, we are committed to promoting and protecting workers' rights around the world, and we urge others to join us in this important work. Let us celebrate this Labour Day by standing in solidarity with workers and advocating for a more just and equitable world.