Labor Day or International Workers’ Day is celebrated in many countries around the world to commemorate the sacrifices of Chicago workers on May 4, 1886, who fought for an eight-hour workday, with many losing their lives in the struggle. While Pakistan observes the day on May 1st, America and Canada celebrate it on the first Monday of September, and in New Zealand, it is held on the fourth Monday of October.
Many countries have a historical significance attached to the date, as in the case of Turkey. May 1st was officially made a holiday to mark Labor Day in 1923, but it was banned in 1925 due to violent demonstrations. The day returned in 1935 as the ‘Spring and Flowers Day,’ but was again banned in 1977 due to violence. The holiday was banned once more in 1981 and was only restored recently in 2009 as Labor Day.
In Pakistan, the day was declared an official holiday in 1972 after the formulation of the country’s first labor policy, which included the creation of the Social Security Network and the Workers Welfare Fund. However, despite being a paid official holiday, many workers continue to work as they would be deprived of the day’s wages. Moreover, the day is meant to highlight the importance of workers’ rights.
Karachi University