Honoring workers on Labour Day: Hands that Build, voices that matter

Srinagar, May 1: May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, has developed into a powerful representation of social justice, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for workers' rights. From mass rallies to quiet reflections, from protest marches to cultural programs, the observance of May Day offers a fascinating glimpse into how nations honor the contributions of workers. In many countries, today activists rally in cities focusing on issues like immigration policies, workers' rights, and social justice.

A Global Movement Born in Struggle

The roots of Labour Day trace back to late 19th-century industrial America. In 1886, the city of Chicago became the epicenter of a workers’ movement demanding an eight-hour workday — a demand that seems basic today but was revolutionary then. The protest, which began peacefully, turned violent during the infamous Haymarket Affair, leaving an indelible mark on labour history.

India officially joined this global movement on May 1, 1923, when Labour Day was celebrated for the first time in the country. The event took place in Chennai (then Madras), by the efforts of Singaravelar — a visionary freedom fighter, lawyer, and fierce advocate for the working class.

He founded the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan and organized two historic public meetings calling for improved conditions for Indian labourers. Under British colonial rule, workers in India — from plantation fields to railway tracks — endured long hours, meagre pay, and almost no rights. Singaravelar’s initiative was a bold step forward in demanding justice and recognition for them.

As the movement grew in strength, a tribute to workers was sculpted in stone. Sectors like agriculture, mining, textiles, and construction remain heavily reliant on the hands and hearts of workers. Programmes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) continue to provide vital livelihood support to millions in rural India, reaffirming the importance of labour in both policy and practice.

Labor Day is not merely a commemoration; it is a celebration of the sweat, spirit, and sacrifices of workers — past and present. It reminds us that progress is not just made in boardrooms or by machines but by the unyielding spirit of people who build, dig, grow, and create.

In countries such as China, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Tunisia, May 1st is recognized as a public holiday. Similarly, several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, also observe Labour Day as a holiday. Depending on the area, various services like banks, stock exchanges, government offices, schools, public transport, and postal services are expected to remain closed.

As we honor their work, more commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for the people who move the world forward is utterly needed.