Participants of the International Labour Day observance in Dimapur on May 1.
DIMAPUR, MAY 1 (MExN): The International Labour day was celebrated at Assisi Auditorium, Dimapur on May 1 at 2:00 am. Every year the world observes 1st May as International Labour Day which is also known as International Workers’ Day.
Sister Pramila Lobo, during the observance, said that the day is observed to appreciate the working class, be it be domestic workers, auto drivers, street vendors, butchers, truck drivers etc, and their contribution. She said that the right to livelihood is a fundamental right, and any work, big or small, has its own dignity, respect and beauty .
Rev Fr Johny PM, parish priest of Holy Cross invoked God’s blessings while Asenla chaired the programme. Deputy Labour Commissioner, W Tamwang Konyak highliged the importance of the day and the schemes that are available for different types of workers.
Yanbemo Ngullie, Panel Lawyer, DDLSA meanwhile spoke on labour rights. He highlighted on dignity of labour, keeping in mind the constitutional right under Article 21 right to livelihood.
The programme was attended by domestic workers, representative from tela union, auto union, truck union, butchers. Street vendors, vegetable sellers, members from the Labour Department, DDLSA, CSC centres, gaonburas, secretaries, village chairpersons etc.
In Kohima,the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers Organisation (NVCO) also observed International Labour Day with the theme ‘Maintaining safety and security at the workplace.’
NVCO President, Kezhokhoto Savi said that many workers are not aware of their rights, so the main purpose of observing the day is to raise public awareness about workers’ rights as well as to recognise their accomplishments and celebrate the contribution and sacrifice of workers to and for the society.
He said that May Day or Labour Day is celebrated in order to pay respect to the working class, which was once asked to work for more than 8 hours a day and was paid less. The day is exclusively dedicated to workers who should know their rights. Savi further stated that under no circumstances worker be asked to work for more than 8 hours a day. Working hours may be extended, but the extra remuneration should be paid in addition to regular wages, he added.
May Day is synonymous to workers’ struggle and the subsequent empowerment in the late 19th century. It was on this day when a police contingent opened fire and killed at least two of the striking workers demanding 8-hours work day instead of gruelling 16-hour work day.
Following the infamous murder of peaceful protestors, more workers joined the protests and it was only in 1916 that the US began to recognise the eight-hour work timings.
In the light of this day, let us acknowledge the contribution of the International Labour Organisation(ILO) which is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving people’s opportunities for good and production employment in conditions of liberty, equality, security, and dignity, the NVCO stated.
