ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The International Labour Day was observed across the world including in Pakistan on Friday to renew pledge for protecting rights of workers.
In Pakistan, all government and private organisations, educational institutions and markets remained closed to observe Labour Day.
In order to highlight significance of the day and rights of the workers, different political and labour organizations‚ particularly the labour wings of political parties and professional bodies organized programmes.
The seminars and rallies were held in different cities to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 for the rights of the labourers.
Message from President Mamnoon Hussain
The Labour Day on First of May every year symbolizes the sanctity and dignity of labour. While this Day reminds us of the Chicago Martyrs and their struggle against oppression, it also provides us with the opportunity to renew our commitment for ensuring the rights of workers for Decent, Safe and Healthy work environment.
A contended and satisfied labour force is central to the production cycle and national development. It is, indeed, the driving force behind any industrial and agricultural progress. All claims of development will remain meaningless until the vulnerable working class is emancipated, and empowered. That is why the welfare of labour is a priority matter for this Government.
It is heartening that during the past few years a number of practical steps have been taken for improving the condition of the workers. These included reinstatement of sacked employees, regularization of contract and daily wage earners, empowering the workers to seek legal remedies against any unlawful dismissals, restoration of trade union activities, increase in minimum pension, promulgation of Industrial Relations Act, 2012 and making workers and employees share-holders in the state-run entities. However, the struggle for workers’ rights is far from over. We still have to go a long way in addressing issues relating to exploitation of workers, child and forced labour, and representation of workers in legislative assemblies etc.
As a result of the 18th Constitutional Amendment the subject of labour has been devolved to the provinces. I am confident that the provinces are aware of their responsibilities for putting in place appropriate legislative and administrative mechanisms to ensure protection of workers’ rights.
On this occasion while I greet the workers I also call upon them to continue working hard for the progress, prosperity and socio-economic development of our country.
Message from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
This year we are celebrating May Day with the ambition once again to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of labour and to pay tribute to the valiant and heroic struggle of the workers of Chicago who gave their lives for a just working environment and fundamental rights. Workers, no doubt, are the backbone of the industry and keep its wheels moving. It is the workers community, which due to hard work, has enabled the global economy to maintain high rates of economic growth, massive production and high levels of productivity. The government believes in the dignity of labour and understands that a prosperous workforce can enable Pakistan to compete in a globalized market environment.
We believe that workers and employers are partners in the production process and their coordination and cooperation is essential for industrial peace, harmony and for full utilization of their energies for socio-economic development of the country.
On this occasion, I urge workers and employers of the country to come forward and play their role in making Pakistan a role model and convey the message to the world that being one-nation, they are united to face any challenge in the global world.
