Srinagar, May 1: Marking International Workers’ Day, legal expert and Kashmiri leader Ashok Bhan on Thursday said that Labour Day serves as a reminder that true progress lies in fairness, inclusion, and respect for every working hand, while calling for renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of workers across all sectors.
In a message on the International Workers Day Legal eagle and Kashmiri leader Ashok Bhan says:
Today, as we mark International Workers’ Day, we pause to recognize the dignity, resilience, and indispensable contribution of workers to the fabric of our nation. Labour is not merely an economic input—it is the moral and social foundation upon which societies are built. From the farmer in the field to the worker in the factory, from the artisan to the service provider, every individual who labours contributes to the collective progress of India. As a conscientious citizen, I believe this day is not only for celebration but for reflection.
The day stems from the general strike in the United States starting May 1, 1886, demanding an eight-hour workday. On May 4, 1886, a bomb blast at a protest in Chicago’s Haymarket Square, followed by police violence, led to the loss of several workers’ lives, making the day a symbol of workers’ struggles.
Commemoration and Recognition: In 1889, the Marxist International Socialist Congress declared May 1st as “Workers Day of International Unity and Solidarity” to promote the eight-hour workweek and recognize labor movements.
It is a global holiday dedicated to recognizing the achievements of the working class and advocating for continued protection against exploitation
Key themes include ensuring fair working conditions, minimum wages, and better safety standards for
Labour Day reminds us of the long and often painful struggle for workers’ rights—fair wages, reasonable working hours, safe conditions, and the right to organize. These were not gifts handed down; they were secured through perseverance and sacrifice. In a constitutional democracy like ours, these rights are anchored in the ideals of justice—social, economic, and political. Yet, the true test of our commitment lies in how effectively these rights are realized in everyday life, especially for those in the unorganized and informal sectors.
In today’s rapidly evolving economy, shaped by technology, globalization, and shifting labour markets, new challenges have emerged. Contractualization, job insecurity, and the gig economy have blurred traditional protections. While innovation drives growth, it must not come at the cost of human dignity. The law must evolve, but its core purpose must remain unchanged—to protect the vulnerable and ensure equitable conditions of work. A society that neglects its workers undermines its own future.
Labour Day also calls upon each of us to cultivate respect for labour in all its forms. Social hierarchies and prejudices that diminish certain kinds of work have no place in a just society. The principle of “dignity of labour” must move beyond rhetoric and become a lived reality. Education, policy, and public discourse must work together to foster this ethos, ensuring that every worker feels valued and empowered.
As we observe this day, let us renew our collective resolve to uphold the rights of workers, to strengthen the institutions that protect them, and to build an India where economic progress goes hand in hand with social justice. The strength of a nation is measured not merely by its wealth, but by how it treats those who create it. Let Labour Day be a reminder that the path to true progress lies in fairness, inclusion, and respect for every working hand.
