As the world industrialised in the mid to late 1800’s and early 1900’s, the dismal working conditions in many factories led to the establishment of Labour Day, also called “International Workers Day”, to demand things like an 8-hour work day, safer working conditions, and increased pay.
Pakistan made Labour Day, also called May Day, an official holiday in 1972, the same year when major labour reform legislation was passed. Also, Pakistan has been a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 1947.
In Pakistan, labour unions put on major rallies and parades each Labour Day. They also hold special discussion panels and seminars, and some people even demonstrate in the streets, demanding “a better deal” for Pakistani workers. Additionally, Radio Pakistan and other stations put on special programming to raise public awareness of the meaning of the day.