Today is the historic May Day, which is also known as International Workers’ Solidarity Day. The historic May Day is being observed since 1890 around the globe to commemorate the day. The day is a public holiday. About 80 countries of the world observe the day as public holiday and many other countries also observe the day privately.
Almost all of us know about May Day. Basically it’s a history of struggle people. In first phase of the nineteenth century, the labourers were used as slaves. The workers in Europe and America had to work 14-16 hours in a day that time. Even, the workers were not paid fair wages. In 1884, a group of workers staged demonstration demanding eight-hour workday and fair wages. The workers fixed a deadline till May 1. And the workers continued the demonstration as their demands were not met.
Following the demonstration, on 4 May, 1886 at Haymarket affair in Chicago police opened aiming the public assembly, leaving 10 workers dead. Later, more others were hanged on the charge of provoking riot in the name of movement. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers’ demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally.
The day was being observed as public holiday since 1972 in Bangladesh. But, the question is- have the workers really achieved their desired rights? Are we success to make a worker friendly environment or minimum life safety for them?
Are these workers people got their rights in socially, economically and politically? May be the answer of these question is- No. There is no doubt that we have advanced in the development of workers friendly environment and quality of worker`s life. But, we have to pass more miles in this sector. Tazreen Fashion or Rana Plaza Tragedy remind us that.
It can be said easily that if we don`t pay attention in the labourers who is working for export, reserve and economy then Vision 2021 will remain a dream.
But, the hope is- the President and the Prime Minister promised to enhance the facilities for workers welfare in `May Day` speech. Besides, they declared about various development works including minimum wage, safe working place.
On the occasion we expect that the owners of mills and factories side by side President and Prime Minister will play an important role for the development of worker`s dignity and quality of life.
