In a message on the occasion of Labour Day, Bhan highlighted the dignity, resilience, and indispensable contribution of workers to the nation’s fabric, asserting that labour is not merely an economic input but the moral and social foundation of any society.

 

“From the farmer in the field to the worker in the factory, from the artisan to the service provider, every individual who labours contributes to the collective progress of India,” Bhan said, adding that the day calls for both celebration and deep reflection.

 

Recalling the historical origins of May 1, Bhan noted that the day stems from the 1886 general strike in the United States demanding an eight-hour workday. He referred to the tragic Haymarket Square bomb blast on May 4, 1886, in Chicago, where police violence led to the loss of several workers’ lives, making the day a global symbol of workers’ struggles.

 

He further stated that in 1889, the Marxist International Socialist Congress declared May 1 as ‘Workers’ Day of International Unity and Solidarity’ to promote the eight-hour workweek and recognize labour movements.

 

“Labour Day reminds us of the long and often painful struggle for workers’ rights—fair wages, reasonable working hours, safe conditions, and the right to organise.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThese were not gifts handed down; they were secured through perseverance and sacrifice,” Bhan emphasised.

 

The legal eagle pointed out that in a constitutional democracy like India, these rights are anchored in the ideals of social, economic, and political justice. However, the true test of commitment lies in how effectively these rights are realised in everyday life, especially for those in the unorganised and informal sectors.

 

Flagging emerging challenges in today’s rapidly evolving economy, Bhan noted that contractualisation, job insecurity, and the gig economy have blurred traditional protections. “While innovation drives growth, it must not come at the cost of human dignity. The law must evolve, but its core purpose must remain unchanged—to protect the vulnerable and ensure equitable conditions of work,” he said.

 

Bhan also stressed the need to cultivate respect for labour in all its forms, saying social hierarchies and prejudices that diminish certain kinds of work have no place in a just society. “The principle of ‘dignity of labour’ must move beyond rhetoric and become a lived reality,” he added.

 

Calling for a collective resolve to uphold workers’ rights and strengthen institutions that protect them, Bhan said the strength of a nation is measured not merely by its wealth, but by how it treats those who create it.

 

“Let Labour Day be a reminder that the path to true progress lies in fairness, inclusion, and respect for every working hand,” he added. (KNS)