Ensure Workers' Rights

International Labour Day is observed globally on May 1 every year. This occasion marks the commemoration of the workers’ struggles and sacrifices. This day is also known as May Day or Workers’ Day. The practice of observing Labour Day dates back to late 19th century when the workers throughout the world launched their movement seeking improved working conditions, reasonable wages and fewer working hours. On May 1, 1886, the workers in Chicago of the United States called for a strike to demand an eight-hour workday. But the workers across the US seemed to have come together to demand their rights and fight for better working conditions only after the explosion of a bomb at a labour rally in Haymarket Square of Chicago. The labour movement started spreading to other parts of the globe gradually. It was in 1889 that the International Congress of socialist parties met in Paris of France and decided to mark Labour Day. The first Labour Day was celebrated in 1890. 

The 1904 conference appealed to all social democratic parties and trade unions across the world to demonstrate actively on May 1 for the legal establishment of the eight-hour workday. At present, Labour Day is celebrated in more than 80 countries globally with trade unions organising marches to promote the rights of workers and protect them from exploitation. The celebration of this day is promoted by the international labour movement. Different organisations in different countries carry out campaigns for the benefit of their workers and other employees. In Nepal, too, Labour Day is observed with various programmes focussing on generating public awareness about the significance of the rights of the workers. This day is a public holiday even in Nepal. It needs no reiteration that the workers play a vital role in leading a nation to the path of economic development and prosperity as they are dedicated to developing products and services.

Nepal has adopted labour-friendly policies and laws. But the rate of unemployment seems to have been increasing over the years. The country's joblessness rate is estimated at 11.4 per cent based on the Nepal Labour Force Survey 2018/19. About 500,000 Nepalis enter the labour market every year. But around 80 per cent of them are forced to go abroad in search of a job due to lack of ample prospects at home. The successive governments appear to have come up with plans to create more jobs within the country. In 2020/21, the then government had intended to create as many as 700,000 jobs through the implementation of different programmes. The government also announced a plan to generate about 350,000 jobs in 2021/22. But those plans could not be enforced accordingly. A contribution-based social security scheme has already been introduced for the welfare of the workers. Though this scheme is considered a milestone when it comes to the workers' wellbeing, it is yet to be enforced fully. 

Amid this scenario, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has vowed to compulsorily implement the contribution-based social security plan from the upcoming fiscal year. Delivering his message on the occasion of International Labour Day-2023 on Monday, the Prime Minister said that the social security plan would come into force in industries, factories and offices. He promised to include at least two per cent workers for the awards and honours annually given by different state organs. It is equally essential for the government to implement the fundamental rights as guaranteed by the constitution as they ensure the welfare of the workers. The national charter guarantees the rights of all the workers to access equal remunerations, facilities and contribution-based social security by providing them with the right to employment.