Every year on the 1st of May, a global observance known as May Day or International Labour Day occurs. This day is dedicated to commemorating the contributions of labourers and the working class. The event is supported by the International Labour Organization, a United Nations agency established with the aim of setting global labour standards.
History and Significance
The inception of Labour Day can be traced back to the labour union movement that took effect in the 19th Century in the United States. However, it’s noteworthy to elaborate that the USA and Canada celebrate Labour day on the first Monday of September each year, not the 1st of May. This day was chosen by trade unions and socialist groups to honour the workers involved in the Haymarket affair of 1886, an event in Chicago, USA.
The Haymarket affair was a peaceful rally advocating for workers’ rights that resulted in a violent clash with the police. Many were gravely injured or lost their lives and later became known as the “Haymarket Martyrs”. The protest shed light on several issues including workers’ rights violations, strenuous working hours, inadequate working conditions, low wages, and child labour.
May Day In Europe and USSR
Europe observed its first May Day on the 1st of May, 1890, after it was officially declared by the first International Congress of Socialist Parties in July 1889. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Soviet Union and nations within the Eastern Bloc began observing Labour Day. This was chiefly influenced by the rise of new ideologies such as Marxism and Socialism, which garnered support from peasants and workers, making them a crucial element of the national movement.
Labour Day in India
In India, the first commemoration of Labour’s Day took place in Chennai in 1923, organized by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan. On that day, communist leader Malayapuram Singaravelu Chettiar appealed to the government to declare 1st May as a national holiday in recognition of workers’ efforts. In India, this day is also referred to as Kamgar Divas, Kamgar Din and Antarrashtriya Shramik Divas.
Constitutional Provisions for Labour in India
The Indian constitution has numerous provisions intended to safeguard labour rights. These constitutional safeguards are primarily found as fundamental rights and within the Directive principle of State policy.
For instance, Article 14 stipulates that the State must treat all persons equally before the law, while Article (19) (1) (c) bestows citizens with the right to form associations or unions. Article 21 guarantees protection of life and personal liberty whereas Article 23 bans forced labour, and Article 24 explicitly prohibits the employment of children under the age of fourteen years.
Furthermore, Article 39(a) mandates the State to ensure its citizens have equal right to an adequate livelihood, and Article 41 states that the Right to work and education should be secured within the limits of the State’s economic capacity. Article 42 requires the State to enforce just and humane conditions of work and provide for maternity relief. Article 43 instructs the State to ensure a living wage, decent work conditions and social and cultural opportunities for all workers, either through legislation or economic organisation. Lastly, Article 43A promotes the participation of workers in the management of industries.
Legal Provisions for Labour
In a bid to further the welfare reforms for labour, the Indian parliament has passed three labour code bills aimed at more than 50 crore organized and unorganized workers in the country. These include the Social Security Code, 2020; the Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.