May 1 Labour Day: When workers keep working in Pakistan

Every year on May 1, Labour Day is marked worldwide to recognise the struggles and sacrifices of workers. Its roots trace back to the 19th-century Chicago movement, where labourers lost their lives demanding fair working hours and basic rights — a struggle that laid the foundation for global labour protections and dignity at work.

In Pakistan, however, Labour Day has largely become a symbolic holiday. Government offices shut down, and salaried officials enjoy a day of comfort and rest. Ironically, those far removed from manual labour benefit the most.

Meanwhile, the country’s real workforce — daily wage earners, construction workers, kiln labourers, hotel staff, loaders and street vendors — continue working as usual. For them, missing a day means losing income. Many remain unaware of the day’s significance, leaving little reason to observe or celebrate it.