International Workers' Day: Respecting labour rights

May Day has become a global symbol of workers' struggle, sacrifice, and the demand for rights. The root of this day dates back to May 1, 1886, with the 'Haymarket' tragedy in Chicago, USA. On that day, thousands of workers joined a peaceful demonstration demanding an eight-hour workday. On May 4, during the fourth day of the movement, a clash broke out between the police and the protesters at Haymarket Square. A bomb explosion, gunfire, and police attacks led to the death of many workers. Following the incident, several movement leaders were sentenced to death, which later became a historic example of repression. However, their sacrifice was not in vain. In 1889, the Second International Workers' Congress declared May 1 as International Workers' Day, which is now observed in many countries around the world as a symbol of workers' rights, struggle, and justice.

Since independence, the labour movement in Bangladesh has progressed through various challenges and struggles. Although state-owned industries were established after the Liberation War of 1971, workers were deprived of their basic rights. In 1970, workers began movements demanding minimum wages, rationing, and salary payments. Although a law was enacted in 1975 to protect workers' rights, it was not effectively implemented. During the 1980s and 1990s, the labour movement in the garment industry became more intense in the struggle to secure workers' rights.

Currently, around 70 million working people in Bangladesh are employed in various sectors, with women playing a particularly significant role in the garment industry. Even today, workers continue to fight for their rights, safe working conditions, and wage increases-demonstrating that the struggle for labour rights never truly stops.

Labour rights are not merely legal provisions or policy frameworks-they are the moral conscience of a nation, a driver of social justice, and a catalyst for sustainable development. When workers enjoy fair wages, safe working conditions, fixed working hours, maternity protection, and the freedom to organise, they don't just contribute to production-they actively help build a stronger, more hopeful Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006 (amended in 2018) recognises these rights as the foundation for workers' dignity and a humane life. However, in the context of modern realities, the needs of workers have expanded. Mental health support, access to technological education, work-life balance, and environment-friendly workplaces are no longer luxuries-they are fundamental necessities.

Ensuring labour rights is not merely about worker welfare-it is about enhancing industrial productivity, maintaining social stability, and laying the foundation for a humane and developed nation. Protecting workers' rights should not only be a duty-it should be a national commitment we proudly celebrate.

To ensure labour rights, the government has formulated various laws and policies. However, significant limitations remain in their implementation. There is a severe shortage of personnel and capacity in labour inspection and regulatory bodies. Delays in investigations, disinterest among responsible officials, and interference by influential individuals often prevent justice from being served. As a result, workers are deprived of justice, and the enforcement of laws remains ineffective.

Many industrial owners view labour rights as costly burdens or obstacles to productivity. Therefore, they prioritise increasing production over ensuring a safe work environment, providing fair wages, or limiting working hours. This leads to increased physical and mental stress on workers, ultimately harming their productivity and quality of life.

Workers are often unaware of their rights. The complexity of labour laws, lack of education, and limited access to legal support leave them even more vulnerable. Most workers operate in fear, believing that filing complaints could result in job loss. This fear acts as a major barrier to protecting workers' rights.

At present, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is bringing rapid changes to the labour market. Due to automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, some jobs are becoming obsolete, while demand for new skills is rising. In this context, reskilling, acquiring technological competencies, and investing in mental health are now essential. It is the joint responsibility of the state and employers to help workers adapt to these changes.

In addition, special attention must be given to women workers. Although they play a vital role in sectors like garments and others, maternity leave, safe working conditions, and protection from sexual harassment are often not adequately ensured. To address this, separate policies, childcare facilities, and the promotion of women-led trade unions are necessary-so that women can work in safe and respectful environments.

To implement labour rights and ensure the protection of workers, certain effective measures need to be taken. Firstly, the labour inspection system must be modernised and made transparent so that workers' rights can be properly monitored and enforced. At the same time, training and awareness programmes should be initiated for workers to help them become informed about their rights. Employers must also be encouraged to develop qualities of humane leadership-so that they not only pursue profit but also fulfill their moral responsibilities toward workers.

Furthermore, to ensure tolerance and swift resolution of labour disputes, the role of the industrial police and local administration as mediators must be strengthened. Strict enforcement of laws and exemplary punishment must be ensured to create a safe and just environment for workers. Additionally, effective implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method can foster cooperation and peaceful solutions among workers, employers, and the government-contributing to greater stability in the labor market.

International Workers' Day is not just a remembrance of the past; it is a day to plan for the future. Let this day serve as a commitment to honour workers' rights, fulfill responsibilities toward them, and build a peaceful, labour-friendly society. To ensure sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh, we must guarantee social security, skill development, and human dignity for all workers. On this May Day, our pledge should be clear-labour rights are not mere demands; they are entitlements.

Dr. Sohel Mia,who did his PhD on labor unrest, is a labour relations specialist.

drsohelbepza@gmail.com