By Ahsan Ansari
World Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is celebrated every year on 1st May across the globe. This day is dedicated to recognizing the contributions and struggles of workers in all fields. It honors the dignity of labor and highlights the importance of fair treatment, decent wages, and safe working conditions. Labour Day is not only a tribute to workers but also a call to action for the protection and promotion of their rights.
The origin of Labour Day can be traced back to the labor movement in the United States during the 19th century. During the Industrial Revolution, working conditions were extremely poor. Laborers worked long hours, often in dangerous environments, and received very low wages. On May 1, 1886, workers in Chicago began a strike to demand an eight-hour workday. The peaceful protest turned violent during what became known as the Haymarket Affair, in which several workers and police officers lost their lives. Despite the tragic incident, the labor movement gained strength, and in 1889, the International Socialist Congress declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day. Since then, this day has been observed worldwide to honor the sacrifices and rights of workers.
Labour Day is an opportunity to appreciate the hard work of millions of laborers who contribute to the progress of society. It reminds us that workers, whether in factories, farms, offices, or schools, play a crucial role in building nations. The day is also important for raising awareness about labor rights and ensuring that workers are treated fairly. It brings attention to the need for safe workplaces, fair wages, and social protections. Additionally, Labour Day encourages unity among workers and strengthens their voice in demanding improvements in their working conditions. It also urges governments and organizations to take meaningful steps toward labor reforms.
In Pakistan, Labour Day is observed as a national public holiday on 1st May. The day was officially recognized in 1972 during the government of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Pakistan also became a member of the International Labour Organization, committing to international standards for workers’ rights. Every year, events are held in major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Labour unions, civil society groups, and political parties organize seminars, rallies, and awareness campaigns to discuss the challenges faced by workers in the country.
Despite labor laws in place, many workers in Pakistan still face difficulties. These include low wages, unsafe workplaces, lack of medical facilities, and absence of job security. Many laborers, especially in the informal sector such as domestic workers, street vendors, and daily wage earners, are not registered and therefore do not receive legal protection or benefits. Child labor is another serious issue, particularly in rural areas and small industries. Labour Day in Pakistan serves as a reminder that much work remains to be done to ensure justice and protection for all workers.
As of 2025, the Government of Pakistan, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has taken several steps to improve the condition of workers in the country. One major initiative has been the increase in the minimum wage, which has been raised to Rs. 37,000 per month to help workers cope with inflation. The government has also worked to strengthen the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), making efforts to ensure timely pension distribution and expanding coverage to more workers.
Another important step has been the promotion of skill development through programs launched by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). These programs aim to equip young people and workers with technical skills to improve their chances of finding better jobs. The government is also focusing on digitizing labor records to make the registration process easier and more transparent. This includes registering informal sector workers and linking them with national databases like NADRA to ensure access to social protection.
Workplace safety is also being addressed, especially in hazardous industries like construction and mining. With the support of international organizations, including the ILO, the government is working to enforce safety regulations more strictly. Efforts are also being made to empower women in the workforce by encouraging companies to hire more women and ensuring that workplaces are free from harassment. Programmes under the Workers Welfare Fund continue to provide housing, scholarships for workers’ children, and medical facilities for industrial workers.
Although these measures show progress, challenges still remain. Many workers are unaware of their rights, and enforcement of labor laws is often weak. Labour Day presents an opportunity for the government to reflect on these issues and take further steps to ensure better working conditions across all sectors.
World Labour Day is a day of great importance, not just as a public holiday, but as a moment to honor the hard work and sacrifices of workers. It reminds us that the strength of a nation lies in the hands of its laborers. In Pakistan, where many workers continue to face hardships, Labour Day should not be limited to speeches and symbolic acts. It must inspire real change through strong policies, fair laws, and continuous efforts to protect the rights of all workers. The government, employers, labor unions, and civil society must work together to build a system where every worker is respected, supported, and empowered—not just on May 1st, but every day of the year.
