International Labour Day 2024, History Importance of Labour Day, Act and Scheme

What is International Labour Day?

International Labour Day is celebrated on May 1 every year. International labour day is also known as world labour day, International workers day and May Day around the world in every country to respect the works of labour, protect to interest of workers, welfare of labour and dedication of people who work in various fields to make our lives better.

Why Celebrate International Labour Day

International labour day is a celebration of working people and a day when people campaign for decent work and fair pay. This celebration is the outcome of actions taken by workers over many years, millions of people have won fundamental rights and protections.  Due to struggles made by people, labour organizations, trade unions, social activists, political parties, human rights activists etc a revolution took place and resulted many reforms and changes into the life of labour and workers.

History of International Labour Day

In may 1886, about 4,00,000 workers in many parts of United States of America, went on strike and demanded an eight-hour working day. The strike was started peacefully for two days but on third day of protests in Chicago, there was some violence in protest. The police shot some un-armed workers, killing several of them.  The protest converted into a violent protest because someone threw a bomb and due to this bomb, about seven police officers and four workers were killed by the bomb or police shooting just after the bomb. This event known as The Haymarket Affair

No one was identified as a culprit or responsible for the bomb attack. But eight workers had been arrested and seven of them were sentenced to death and one of them was sent to a prison for 15 years. This incident was a very important event which played an important role in bringing working people together in the USA. The judicial trial was criticized by people as they didn’t believe the men were guilty and the incident became an international symbol of the struggle for workers rights and 1 may was chosen to be international workers Day. Socialist parties and trade unions called for workers to demonstrate for eight hours day and in favour of peaceful protest and USA made a law for public workers in 1892. It was a winning fight of workers who made struggle for their rights, protection, welfare and development. This act drew attention of people all over the world and continued to fight for and win this fight.

The Way to celebrate Labour Day

On 1 may, every year many countries announced public holidays to provide a rest to every worker from their usual work. It is an opportunity to campaign for workers’ rights show solidarity with other working people and to celebrate the achievements of workers all over the world. These countries are such as South Africa, Tunisia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and China. In many places, people organise events and talks to show how important workers are. Sometimes, there are marches, rallies and events organize to talk about labours and their rights and awareness about the government policies, programmes and schemes. Posters and signs are also used to tell people about workers and what they need.

Importance of Labour Day

Labour day is not just about saying thanks to workers but also teaching them about their rights, protection from exploitations, stopping them from being taken advantage of. Its also about trying to make working conditions better for workers and helping them move forward.

Theme

Every year, International Labour Day celebrations announce a new theme, this year on 1 may, 2024, the focus is on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate.

Government Schemes for Labour in India

1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
3. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY)
4. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Pension Scheme
5. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
6. National Food Security Act
7. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushal Yojana,
8. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,
9. Gareeb Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan,
10. Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana,
11. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana,
12. PMSVANidhi,
13. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
14. Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY,
15. Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY),
16. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan (PMGKRA),
17. National Social Assistance Program,
18. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY),
19. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan (PM-GKRA),
20. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM KMDY),
21. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
22. Welfare scheme for Building and Other Construction Workers

Laws and Rights of Labour in India

1. Right to freedom of Association and collective bargaining
2. Elimination of forced labour
3. Elimination of child labour
4. Elimination of discrimination in matter of occupation and wages.
5. freedom of association and right to collective bargaining

The Regulative Labour Legislation

1. The Trade Unions Act, 1926 2.
2. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
3. Industrial Relations Legislations enacted by states of Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat, UP, etc.
4. Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.

The Protective Labour Legislations

1. Factories Act, 1948
2. The Mines Act, 1952
3. The Plantations Labour Act, 1951.
4. The Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961
5. The Shops and Establishments Acts
6. Beedi and Cigar Workers Act, 1996

Wage-Related Labour Legislations

1. The Payment of Wages Act, 1936
2. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
3. The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965
4. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

Social Security Labour Legislations

1. The Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923
2. The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948
3. The Coal Mines PF Act, 1948
4. The Employees PF and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
5. The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
6. Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

Welfare Labour Legislations

1. Limestone and Dolomite Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1972
2. The Mica Mines Welfare Fund Act, 1946
3. The Iron Ore Mines, Manganese Ore Mines and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1976.
4. The Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981
5. In addition, some state governments have also enacted legislations for welfare funds
6. Beedi Workers Welfare Funds Act, 1976

Miscellaneous

1. The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970
2. Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
3. Building and other construction workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996
4. Apprentices Act, 1961
5. Emigration Act, 1983
6. Employment Exchange (Compulsory Notification of Vacancies) Act, 1959
7. Inter State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1979
8. Sales Promotion Employees (Condition of Service) Act, 1976
9. Working Journalists and other Newspapers Employees (Condition of Service and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, 1955.