Resolve to respect labour on International Workers’ Day

1 May 202018 June 2020 TheRise.co.in

With the ticking of the clock, the celebration of 1^st May as ‘International Workers Day’ or ‘Labour Day’ to commemorate 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago have undergone series of changes in the purpose and message behind it.

I call myself a labourer because I take pride in calling myself a spinner, weaver, farmer and scavenger.
– M. K. Gandhi

Further, with the 21^st century being a crusader for the digital world, there is a paradigm shift in the type of labour across the world. Advancements in communication technologies, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, etc. have changed the perspective of labour which is not only physical but also the digital. To be precise, the efforts put in while working on computers, laptops, smartphones, etc. fall in the category of Digital Labour. Knowledge production, creation of digital content, and its communication are being extensively used nowadays. Brainpower used in the digital labour is successfully marginalizing the physical labour, which will happen only to a certain extent.

To be precise, the efforts put in while working on computers, laptops, smartphones, etc. fall in the category of Digital Labour.

Physical movements can not be get rid of in any circumstances, however, its control and improvement can be done digitally for a better outcome. Therefore, it is high time to respect all type of efforts irrespective of what do they relate with.

Do read: Resuscitating Migrant Workers to Economy

This May Day celebrations on 1^st May 2020 have come with entirely different experience when the majority of economic activities are at a halt due to COVID19 lockdown. Let us introspect the kind of society we live in, which has significantly delayed in taking care of its labour force. Lockdowns being inevitable have left migrant workers – laborers lurching around. Though the provisioning of food by good samaritans and the Government support has helped, the dignity of laborers has been dented. Restrictions on movements have led to plenty of hardships to the poor working class of migrant workers. Humanity needs to ensure that we do not witness such a pitiable state of living being again.

Humanity needs to ensure that we do not witness such a pitiable state of living being again.

On this May Day, let us again remember and realize that the workers in whatever role, are the backbone for running the civilization. No economic activity shall be possible without investing efforts of labour force. Therefore it is high time to respect every member of the working-class irrespective of their age, qualification, gender, race, religion, etc. This working-class encompasses every one starting from inside of the house to the outside world and includes each human being because of the contributions made by them in the sustenance of civilization to the best of their capabilities.

Visit Ministry of labour and employment

Purpose of May Day will be fulfilled only if we resolve for mutual respect and appreciate the contributions of everyone whether physical or mental. The dignity of labour needs to be ascertained at all costs for happiness across the world.