ISLAMABAD: International Labor Day will be observed on 1st May across the world including Pakistan to pay tribute to workers’ sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights.
Labor Day (Labour Day) is a public holiday in Pakistan that is marked by rallies, marches, processions, labor/worker union sessions and organized street demonstrations.
The theme of International Labour Day of 2016 would be “Celebrating the international labour movement”.
Labor unions throughout Pakistan organize seminars, rallies and parades where union leaders deliver speeches emphasizing the history of Labor Day and its importance. Workers and unions arrange street processions, and this portrays solidarity with workers around the world.
Pakistan is a developing country but the current scenario has improved compared to previous times. Many organized street demonstrations take place on Labor Day, where workers and labor unions protest against labor repression and demand for more rights, better wages and benefits.
Labor Day is a public holiday in Pakistan on May 1. All government and non- organizations, 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 creation of the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund. Pakistan’s constitution also contains various provisions and articles about labor rights.
It is important to note that Pakistan became a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) right after its independence in 1947.
The ILO is a United Nations (UN) specialised agency that promotes social justice and universally acknowledged human and social rights. Pakistan has ratified 36 ILO conventions of which eight are core conventions.
