International Labour Day ;Origin and its significance

Every year, 1st May is observed as International Labour Day /Workers Day, or May Day, in many countries of the world, including India. The day is observed to mark the contribution of the working people and the labour movement that fought for the rights of the working class.

Origin of the International Labour Day 

The genesis of International Labour Day is traced to a strike by the labour union in the American industrial city of Chicago on 1 May 1886. The workers were demanding eight hours working day and other amenities for the labour class. 

During a demonstration by the workers at Chicago's  Haymarket on 4 May 1886, there was a bomb explosion, which led to police firing, resulting in the death of a few civilians.  This event became famous as the Haymarket incident, and it became a rallying cry of the workers and trade unions.

Inspired by the Haymarket event, socialist and labour leaders founded Second International to further the cause of the workers and fight for their rights.

At the Second International Meeting in Paris in 1889, leaders of around twenty countries decided to observe 1 May as International Labour Day.

However, in certain countries, Labour Day is observed on different days. 

Theme of the International Labour Day 2024

The theme of International Labour Day 2024  is to ensure workplace safety and health amidst climate change.

Observance and Significance of the International Labour Day 

In many countries, International Labour Day is observed as a public holiday. Various events are organised to highlight the issues facing the working classes and to emphasise the contribution of the working class to national development.

Steps Taken for Labour Welfare in India 

The government of India has taken a number of steps for the welfare of the working class in India.

Simplified Labour laws 

In order to simplify labour laws, the government has merged 29 separate labour-related regulations into four Codes: the Wage Code, the Social Security Code, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, and the Industrial Relations Code.

 Schemes for Workers 

 E-Shram Portal: The  E-Shram Portal for registering Unorganized Workers across the Country was launched by the government of india on 26 August 2021. It has been developed to create a database of unorganized workers in India.

 Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana is a government of India scheme to provide old age protection and social security for Unorganized workers.

It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme under which the beneficiary receives a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/—per month after attaining the age of 60.

 If the beneficiary dies, the beneficiary's spouse is entitled to receive 50% of the pension as a family pension.