International Labour Day 2024: Maldives A Decade of Appreciating Workers Right

Prianka Chanda

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International Labour Day in Maldivs

The Maldives celebrates International Labour Day on the 1st day of May annually. This day is an annual holiday for every citizen in the country. On this day people of the Maldives honor their country’s workers and their hard work for the country.  

If International Labour Day falls on Friday or Saturday, which is the general weekend in the Maldives. They celebrate labor day the next Sunday after Saturday. Which remarks three day weekend in the Maldives. This system is well appreciated in the country as it ensures a long weekend for the workers.

History of International Labour Day

To know the history of International Labour Day, we have to go back to the year 1886. It was a time when industry owners used to treat their workers badly. Their working environment was not safe. Workers were forced to work from 16 to 18 hours. Besides they were getting a small amount of money for their work.

The workers of Chicago, United States decided to protest against all of these unfair rules. They organized a protest on the 1st of May in 1886. Where they demanded 8 hours of working hours, a good working environment, and fair payment for their work.

The protest took place at the Haymarket of Chicago. The First 3 days of protest were peaceful. On the fourth day due to some difficulties, police open fire. Two people from the protest died in that open fire. There was a bomb blast the next day. In that bomb blast, 7 police officers died along with 4 general people.

Police arrest the leaders of this protest. The court sentenced them to death. Among them, 4 were hanged to death,1 committed suicide, and 2 were in prison for a lifetime. This protest became famous around the world.

To make this sacrifice memorable, in 1889 the International Organization for Workers announced this day as International Labour Day. From then people around the world celebrate 1st May as International Workers/Labour Day.

International Labour Day 2021: Maldives A Decade of Appreciating Workers Right

History of Maldive’s First Labour Day

The Maldives first ever celebrate International Labour Day in the year 2011. The Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed declared 1st May a public holiday and a day to celebrate the laborers of the country on 26th April 2011.

The decision was taken according to the Cabinet’s recommendation. Which highlights the governments’ dedication and effort of private parties to defend and encourage laborers’ rights in the Maldives.  

Celebration of Labour Day in the Maldives

To celebrate this day private offices, government offices, banks, and educational institutes remain closed on this day. Organizations and parties organize seminars and rallies on this day. Parry leaders deliver speeches to laborers and greet them.

Carrying banners and slogans regarding laborers’ rights is a common thing to see on this day. Many organizations also throw contests and quizzes for children on this day, to introduce them to labor rights. Thus they spread awareness to the new generation about workers’ rights. 

Radio and television hosts talk shows on this day. Besides, media broadcast shows highlight workers’ life and their rights. Print media also publish articles featuring laborers and their morality.

Message From Country Chief on International Labour Day

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih urges in his labor day statement to the youth to take their financial responsibility by earning an income. He also said that no work will be considered a low standard. He also added that earning an income is a social and personal responsibility. This urging highlights the country’s unemployment problem and its solution.

Later he also talked about a decent minimum wage and increasing employment opportunities. President also talked about the challenges workers face while working. He gives assurance that the government will be working to resolve this problem.

He also mentioned the increase in employment-related cases on the Employment Tribunal and how the government resolved them. In the end, the president repeated the government’s promise to save the rights of employees as well as employers and added that Mayday would be a day of pondering for laborers and their struggles that build up the country.

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International Labour Day Facebook Status/SMS and Wishes

Some Labour Day Facebook status/SMS and wishes to make your International Labour Day easier to celebrate with your loved ones.

1. Today is a day for you and your hard work! Let us celebrate the success and struggles of your working life. Wishing you a happy labor day!

2. Happy Labour Day! It is a day to celebrate each other and to share happiness.

3. Happy Labour Day to the workers of every field! The world is built on their contribution and all of them deserve equal respect from us!

4. Sending our appreciation and respect to the workers of every field. Happy Labour Day!

5. Labour Day is very significant to acknowledge the efforts of the workers who provide us with their daily service. Happy Labour Day to you!

6. Our daily lives go smoothly standing upon the tireless work and service of the workers of various sectors. So Happy Labour Day to the heroes!

7. Every job deserves to be respected and every man deserves to be celebrated every day. Happy Labour Day to all the great workers!

8. Happy Labour Day to you! It is a tribute to all the past and present workers, who have offered us their selfless services for our comfort.

9. May Day bears significance to all the laborers of the world, as it is dedicated to their hard work and service. Happy May Day to them!

10. Happy May Day to the workers! Thank you for pouring your soul into your respected jobs every day and giving us the fruits of your hard work.

Conclusion

International Labour day is not all about celebrating and having fun. This day is a reminder every year that how our workers should be treated. How their rights and well-being are important as is every citizen of the country. 

Though all of these celebrations and awareness, the Maldives are still facing child labor problems. Forced labor is another important issue to be aware of. Government and the people of Maldives should be focusing on this problem. And resolve it as our government promises.

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