MAY 1, INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY/LABOUR DAY : R.B.KISHORE

 MAY 1, INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY/LABOUR DAY :  R.B.KISHORE

1)International Workers Day is observed on May 1 across countries. It is also known as Labour Day or May Day in different regions. The day is a public holiday in most countries in the world. The day is to given off to workers to celebrate their contribution to the economy. May 1 is often observed as a labour day in many parts of the world. The importance of observing Labour Day originated in the 19th century in the United States when the industrialists exploited the labour class by making them work for long hours a day. As the exploitation continued, workers rose to demand their rights. In the late-19th century following an unfortunate incident where peacefully protesting labourers were killed in Chicago on May 1, Labour Day was formed. The date was chosen by a pan-national organization of socialist and communist political parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on 4 May 1886.[6] The 1904 Sixth Conference of the Second International, called on "all Social Democratic Party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace."

International Labor Day is celebrated on May 1 and in most of the country, this day is honoured by announcing it as a public Holiday. May 1 is marked in countries like North Korea, India, Cuba. The principle of Labor Day is 'Uniting workers for social and economic development.' May Day is also known as Workers 'Day or International Workers' Day.

2)History of May Day:

7 police officers and 4 civilians were massacred in a bomb explosion in Chicago on May 4, 1886. The explosion was in response to the police shooting peaceful demonstrators the day before. Eight anarchists have been charged with conspiracy after the bombing and sentenced to death. The Haymarket Massacre caused worldwide headlines, as none of the eight convicted thrown bombs.

International Workers' Day 2020: Date, history & significance of the day dedicated to working class

After 3 years, a French Socialist Party decided May 1 as International Workers' Day to honor the labor movement and to observe the Haymarket Massacre.

May Day has been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist and anarchist groups since the Second International. May Day is one of the most important holidays in communist countries such as the People's Republic of China, North Korea, Cuba and the former Soviet Union countries. May Day celebrations in these countries typically feature elaborate workforce parades, including displays of military hardware and soldiers.

In 1955, the Catholic Church dedicated 1 May to "Saint Joseph the Worker". Saint Joseph is the patron saint of workers and craftsmen, among others.[17]

During the Cold War, May Day became the occasion for large military parades in Red Square by the Soviet Union and attended by the top leaders of the Kremlin, especially the Politburo, atop Lenin's Mausoleum. It became an enduring symbol of that period.

Today, the majority of countries around the world celebrate a workers' day on 1 May.

3)Origin of May Day in India: It is celebrated as Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas. The holiday is tied to labour movements for communist and socialist political parties. Labour Day is known as "Kamgar Din" in Hindi, "Karmikara Dinacharane" in Kannada,"Karmika Dinotsavam in Telugu, "Kamgar Divas" in Marathi, "Uzhaipavar dhinam" in Tamil, and "Thozhilaali Dinam" in Malayalam. In North India, Labour Day is mostly not given its previous importance as a holiday now.

    The first May Day celebration in India was organized in Madras (now Chennai) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on 1 May 1923.[36] This was also the first time the red flag was used in India.[37] The party leader Singaravelu Chettiar made arrangements to celebrate May Day in two places in 1923. One meeting was held at the beach opposite to the Madras High Court; the other meeting was held at the Triplicane beach. The Hindu newspaper, published from Madras reported,

The Labour Kisan party has introduced May Day celebrations in Madras. Comrade Singaravelar presided over the meeting. A resolution was passed stating that the government should declare May Day as a holiday. The president of the party explained the non-violent principles of the party. There was a request for financial aid. It was emphasised that workers of the world must unite to achieve independence.[38]

   1 May is also celebrated as "Maharashtra Day"[39] and "Gujarat Day" to mark the date in 1960, when the two western states attained statehood after the erstwhile Bombay State was divided on linguistic lines. Maharashtra Day is held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. Schools and offices in Maharashtra remain closed on 1 May. A similar parade is held to celebrate Gujarat Day in Gandhinagar.

Vaiko (Vai Gopalsamy), General Secretary of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, appealed to the then Prime Minister V. P. Singh to declare 1 May as a national holiday, to which the PM heeded and from then on it became a national holiday to celebrate International Labour Day

Labor Day has a different story for all the countries in which the day is celebrated. The Labor Kisan Party of Hindustan organized the first day of May Day in India on 1 May 1923 in Madras (now Chennai). This is the first time in India that the red flag is used in India to mark Labor Day.

Today it is associated with the labor movements of the Communist and Socialist political parties. In Hindi, Labor Day is called as 'Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas' or 'Kamgar Din'. Marathi people celebrate it with the name of 'Kamgar Diwas', and in Tamil, it is known as 'Uzhaipalar Naal'. Interestingly, in addition to Labor Day, May 1 was also designated as 'Maharashtra Day' and 'Gujarat Day' in 1960, after the former Bombay State was linguistically divided by two Western states.

4)Significance of the May Day

i)The labor movement is also known as the eight-hour day movement, as it allocates daily work limit to eight hours, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for leisure. That is why Labor Day or May Day is being promoted by various anarchist, communist and, socialist groups. During the Cold War from 1947 to 1953, Labor Day became a periodic event in the Red Square for the Soviet Union's large military caravans, and the Kremlin's top leaders, notably the Politburo, took part in the Lenin tomb. It became a lasting symbol of that period. To date, countries that refer to May Day as an official holiday have elaborated on famous and military parades that day

ii)Labour Day is an annual observation to celebrate the achievements of workers. It has the origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour working per day, movement.. Every year, Labour Day is celebrated on May 1, to mark the achievements and acknowledging the rights of working-class people. There are public gatherings, conventions and conferences, held around the world to discuss and understand more to develop the working environment. Labour Day 2020 celebration was different. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the parades and gatherings were cancelled. But  still observed Labour Day 2020 virtually by sharing messages and greetings. In this article, we bring you the latest collection of Happy Labour Day 2020 wishes, messages, and quotes on workers and greetings to share via Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. We have also provided the direct link to download Labour Day  WhatsApp Stickers to send along with messages and GIFs. May Day 2020 Wishes and HD Images: WhatsApp Stickers, GIFs, International Workers' Day Messages and Facebook Greetings to Celebrate the Historic Day. 

Also Read | Maharashtra Day Images & HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Wish Maharashtra Diwas 2020 With WhatsApp Stickers and GIF Greetings on May 1

iii)Labour Day is a significant day, because it is an occasion to commemorate the efforts of all workers regardless of their occupation or position in the company. Do not let the pandemic stop you from appreciating your colleagues and employees, for the hard work they put in to develop the growth of the company or organisation. Hence, our collection of Labour Day 2020 wishes, messages, inspirational quotes on workers, greetings and images are perfect for thanking them for their contributions at work. International Workers' Day Images & HD Wallpapers for Free Download Online: Wish Happy Labour Day 2020 With WhatsApp Stickers and GIF Greetings on May 1. 

5)i)  We remember with gratitude the defence of rights & securing liberty ,freedom to fight for continued amelioration of all working class.The preparation & presentation of Charter of Demands to Top Management is the beginning of the process of long drawn out journey towards ultimate fulfillment, of talks & negotiations, clarity in logic & reasoning & portraying degree of improvement needed to compensate for various economic factors impeding monetary improvement & the ups& downs in life & living & various external vicissitudes faced by different cadres & ways & means to resolve those hardships & bottlenecks & also to get rewards for excellent hard work put in satisfying thereby the various stakeholders & policyholders through the enormous creative efforts put in by both Administrative & Field Force ,thereby such Organisations becoming the talk of the town & earning goodwill ,faith & trust of people,Nation & Society.

  ii) It is high time Charter for Sr Citizens & Elders is cleverly & creatively interwoven  with National Labour & State Labour Policies to remove obstacles & hindrances to continued enhancement of privileges & taking care of health of labour in more concrete terms with adequate education, nutrition, bonus offers & simultaneously eschew tendencies of Govt to become anti-labour & dictatorial ,like freezing DA,DR for CG employees & pensioners for 18 months WITHOUT paying arrears at the end of that term. Many times, right to strike is removed by one OMNIBUS order of declaring that service as Essential & overruling  even Court orders thro Ordinance

 iii)Let us salute the Power of Labour Movement.Unions & Associations& Central Federations have done yeoman service to the cause, progress & welfare of all types of labour force.The aims & aspirations, the Vision & Mission Statements of some Employee Federations & Pensioners Federations have mobilized common cause ,created synergy & ensured  a break on one-sided, lopsided Governmental policies out to hamper & even destroy the ongoing, forward looking ,step by step Success Story of many Federations.Govt & other Bodies or Institutions run besmerk sometimes, throwing away reason & logic & creating a rupture in positive labour management relations.That smart attitude has to be condemned.

6)i) Organisations many times are the cause of procrastination of genuine & modest demands of unions,resulting in stages of protest from simple, symbolic black badges to sitin strike, lunch hour mass gathering & address by prominent & powerful speakers & orators ,able to carry conviction & mobilizing an army of supporters, volunteers & activists, devoted & dedicated to the larger cause, sacrificing time, labour & energy for the greatest good of the greatest numbers.  If such demonstrations are not noticed ,if no talks or negotiations take place, a Stalemate continues, relations get harder, opposition grows to Govt silence & immune to appeals, Notes, Memorandums & ultimately ,results in Strikes of one day to many days till  wisdom dawns on institution & Govt .

     ii)History is replete with many instances where the negatives could have been avoided & a democratic dialogue, exchange of ideas, factual data supported by statistics are released to assess the genuineness of the various demands & arrive at a solution. It is ridiculous that always 30 months delay in wage talks results in slow motion tactics & govt approval or nod not easy to get, such irresponsible ,careless & nonchalant administration must be shown the door of exit,High Courts & Supreme Court pass strictures, harsh words on Govt decision making powers, thinking them to be royal, last word is theirs,others can wait attitude must be laid to rest

      Power corrupts & Absolute Power corrupts absolutely,

      Powerlessness  corrodes & Absolute Powerlessness  corrodes absolutely .

Govt must turn a new leaf & consider Labour as Partners in Progress & satisfy their genuine expectations & to always promote welfare  of all forms of labour,without any distinction & as a mosaic of unity herald such a progressive & democratic leadership with genuine concern for all needs .

    iii)   Courts have lambasted Govt for the refusal to adhere to Deadlines, avoiding adjournments in court cases & an utter disregard of their own Litigation policy causing untold annoyance & frustration & anger .Govt takes care of its own employees & pensioners through timely constituting Pay Commissions but showing contempt,supercilious attitude,a dictatorial power,& disregard of all canons of  equality & equity,the hallmark of progressive labour.Words must be translated into deeds,More & more Welfare measures, right to health reforms, enlightenment & entertainment of labour force, meaningful skilled manpower to be created through a body of eminent Professors, Experts & Skill in IT & the new techniques  emerging beyond in the next 10-20 years must be thought, planned & executed with Labour involvements in Boards as a fait accompli  .Independent Directors role has to be promoted & their clear impartial thinking & suggestions have to be honoured to have a spectrum of futuristic progress of labour, stakeholders & the organization at large

    iv)Labour is not a liability, it is an ASSET.Every balance sheet has asset & liability & as Sri TAPai said, it is common duty to ensure that every liability is converted into an asset.A participative, heads & tails together, debates,discussions & dialogue, an open free atmosphere without illwill or rancour & as Abraham Lincoln said with malice towards none, with charity for all, an even keel for govt,financial & service sector without discrimination ,without anamolies, labour & management, labour & govt working hand in hand can enlarge the happiness of all & see to the New Dawn of a hasslefree Society, with charm & dignity for the labour force ,without any stigma  whatsoever,that should be the SLOGAN for today May day 1st MAY 2023.

A CLASPED  HAND IS BETTER THAN A CLENCHED FIST,ENERGY MUST  BECOME SYNERGY & SYNONYM FOR PROGRESS & WELFARE. WE MUST EXIST BEFORE WE COEXIST.

PEACE, LIKE PROSPERITY , IS INDIVISIBLE   .

7)GREETINGS TO ALL LABOUR FORCE, LEADERS,CATALYSTS OF CHANGE    .   GREETINGS TO ALL WORKING CLASS, TO ALL LABOUR FOR ENRICHMENT, ENCHANTMENT & ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE TRIBE &

ALSO PARTICIPATE WHOLEHEARTEDLY FOR SYNERGY TO PROMOTE ACCELERATION, & TO BRING NORMALCY & PROMOTE RAPID GROWTH IN ALL SPHERES OF ACTIVITY ,TO ENSURE TATTERED & BRUISED ECONOMY FROM ALL ANGLES IS REVIVED WITH MULTI-PRONGED RIGHT BRAIN SOLUTIONS FOR A RAPID TURNAROUND & A MIGHTY BREAKTHROUGH SOONER THAN LATER.

Let MAY DAY.LABOUR DAY be a polite reminder to the Powers that be to treat them with reverence & respect ,with cordiality & mutuality as Watchwords & not Catchwords

 GOODLUCK & GODSPEED,

3 CHEERS TO WORKERS ON THIS LABOUR DAY.Thanks to ALL PATRONS, Office-Bearers, Presidents, VicePresidents, General Secretaries,Joint Secretaries,Treasurers,Task Forces,Executive Committee Members,Zonal Councils,& other Bodies preserving,promoting full Welfare & Progress of ALL C lass of Labours ,as an important & vital organ to resolve issues & grievances of Labour . May 1st MAY be etched in LETTERS OF GOLD .

RBKISHORE,

ED(Retd),LIC,

PATRON,AIRIEF,PATRON,RIEA CHENNAI  ,

LIFE MEMBER PROBUS CLUB