Zardari, Shehbaz pledge to ameliorate workers' lot on Labour Day
Pakistan
The day aims to renew pledge to acknowledge and promote the dignity of labour
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is being observed across the world today (Wednesday) to renew pledge for protecting rights of workers.
Labour Day is an appreciation of the working classes promoted by the international labour movement and is celebrated on the first of May in many countries including Pakistan.
The day aims to renew pledge to acknowledge and promote the dignity of labour.
The day is observed in the memory of massacre of labourers when the Chicago Police Department shot and killed 10 unarmed demonstrators in Chicago in May 1937. The incident took place during the Little Steel strike in the United States.
Pakistan’s first labour 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.
President Zardari's message
President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated the commitment to upholding the dignity of labourers and paid tribute to their historic struggle.
“This day serves as a reminder for all of us to safeguard labourers’ rights, and work for their social protection, fair wages, and safe working conditions,” the president said in a message on May 1.
On this day, the president said, they deeply acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of their workers who had played a commendable role in the country’s development.
He said the day was being observed to pay tribute to the workers and labourers whose tireless efforts had driven the country’s socioeconomic development.
The president said the theme for this year’s International Labour Day was to ensure workplace safety and health amidst climate change.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's pledge
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that with an overarching objective to promote the rights and interests of the Pakistani workforce and as promised in PML-N’s manifesto, they remained steadfast in their commitment to bolstering labour welfare and harmonising domestic labour legislation with global standards.
“Today we honour the immense sacrifices of the workers who laid their lives while waging a relentless struggle for their rights. We also honour the invaluable contributions of those workers who work day and night in the fields, factories and elsewhere. They not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving force behind Pakistan’s progress,” the prime minister said in a message on observance of International Labour Day.
The prime minister said the sustainable economic growth remained their top priority.
“Through concerted efforts, our economy is on the path to recovery. We hope that this growth will result in more economic activities and create job opportunities. However, the new job opportunities would demand a skilled labour force,” he added.
Recognising the key role of skilled workers in the economic development, the prime minister said the government had initiated vocational training and skills development programmes to empower workers and enable them to secure employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
He said enhancement of occupational safety and health (OSH) across various sectors remained a top priority for their government.
“We will soon be convening the inaugural National Tripartite Labour Conference with a special focus on safety and health," he said.
