MANHATTAN: Secretary-General António Guterres in his statement on the occasion of International Day of Labour noted that this year, noted that with the COVID-19 pandemic unfolding around us, we are truly seeing workers who too often toil unseen.
António Guterres stated: “In many countries around the world, today is a day to celebrate workers. Perhaps as never before, we recognize the role that essential workers play in keeping our societies functioning — getting food to tables and markets, keeping public transportation running, and – of course – ensuring the operation of our hospitals and health systems.
“We are also reminded of the enormous toll that the pandemic is taking on the global workforce. As the International Labour Organization reported this week, the global workforce will be hit with the equivalent of the loss of more than 300 million jobs.
“As we seek to build back better in the wake of this pandemic, the well-being of people must be at the centre of economic and social policies with a special focus on who are being furthest left behind.
“We can build a fair globalization rooted in equality, sustainability and justice. The pathway is by honoring the dignity of work not only in words, but deeds —not only once a year, but every day.”
President Dr. Arif Alvi in his message held: “This day is not only a reminder of the struggle of workers but also an acknowledgement of their contribution towards national growth and progress.”
He also pointed towards launching of Ehsaas Emergency Cash Relief Program that is meant to provide immediate relief to the workers affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Prime Minister Imran Khan maintained that the incumbent PTI government was committed to improve the working and living conditions of workers and to supplement their welfare by providing better housing, education facilities and health cover for them and their families.
Holding that workers’ role was vital for economic development of any country, PM said that he was committed to ensure that benefits of economic progress trickled down to the populace. Imran Khan pointed out that Islam had also emphasized the principles of social justice.
May Day was chosen in the late 19th century as International Workers Day in order to commemorate the Haymarket Affair.
Haymarket Affair, Flow of Events:
1) On 1st day of May, 1886, eighty thousand people peacefully marched down Michigan Avenue.
2) Demanding an 8-hour day an enormous number of workers went on strike across the country in the following days.
3) On 3rd day of May, four people lost their lives and many got wounded when a group picketing strikebreakers at the McCormick plant in Chicago were charged on by police.
4) Due to violence and a bomb explosion next day, seven cops and four laborers lost their lives at Haymarket square (where a crowd was protesting the killings of 3rd May) .
5) The next day government imposed martial law across the country. Hundreds of labor activists were nabbed, tried, convicted, and some executed.
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