INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY
(ILO) - POLITY
News: International Labour Day 2024:
Know the date, origin, and significance behind May Day
What's in the news?
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The International Labour Day was recently observed
to honour the contribution of workers across the world.
International Labour
Day:
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International Labour Day, also known as Workers Day
or May Day, is a global event that
takes place annually on May 1st.
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It is a day dedicated to honouring the efforts and
achievements of workers and the labour movement.
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Over 80
countries, including India, Cuba, and China, mark International Labour Day.
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On this day, people all over the world march to advocate working-class rights and
protect them from exploitation.
Backdrop:
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The origins of International Labour Day can be
traced back to the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States.
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In 1886,
a large demonstration happened in America where the laborers demanded eight
hours of work on a daily basis.
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However, soon the demonstration went out of hand,
and in Chicago, a lot of people got hurt. This incident came to be known as the
Haymarket Affair.
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The Haymarket Affair incident marked the start of
International Labour Day.
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In 1889,
a lot of socialist parties in Europe came together and decided to celebrate May
1 as International Labour Day.
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Since then, the special day has been observed every
year on the same day.
India and May Day:
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In India, the first May Day was celebrated in Chennai (then Madras) in 1923 by the Labour
Kisan Party of Hindustan.
International Labour
Organization (ILO):
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It is a specialized
agency of the United Nations (UN) dedicated to improving labour conditions
and living standards throughout the world.
Establishment:
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It was established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the
League of Nations, the ILO became the first affiliated specialized agency of
the UN in 1946.
Objective:
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It is devoted to advancing opportunities for women
and men to obtain decent and productive
work in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and human dignity.
Aim:
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To promote rights
at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social
protection, and strengthen dialogue in handling work-related issues.
Important Takeaways:
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The ILO also provides technical assistance in social policy and administration and in
workforce training; fosters cooperative organizations and rural industries.
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It compiles
labour statistics and conducts research on the social problems of
international competition, unemployment and underemployment, labour and
industrial relations, and technological change (including automation).
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It helps to protect the rights of international
migrants and organized labour.
Awards:
● In recognition of its activities, the ILO was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1969.