ISLAMABAD: International Labour Day was observed across the country as elsewhere in the world Friday to acknowledge and commend the invaluable contributions of the labour class. The fundamental objective of observing the day is to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the working class and create awareness about their rights, and protect them from exploitation. International Labour Day is observed in the memory of massacre of labourers when the Chicago Police Department shot and killed several unarmed demonstrators in Chicago, on May 30, 1937. The incident took place during the Little Steel strike in the United States. Pakistan’s first labour policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared as an official holiday. This policy also formulated the creation of the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund. Online
