Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday said that workers had rendered invaluable sacrifices for their rights in Chicago in May 1886; this day reminds us about martyrs of Chicago and their struggle against oppression and tyranny.
In his message on the eve of International Labour Day, the chief minister said that purpose of celebrating this day is to initiate steps for providing protection to labourers and industrial workers against any exploitation. "It is also aimed at speeding up the efforts to ensure the dignity and provision of suitable wages to the working class," he added.
According to him, the religion of Islam has highlighted the dignity of the workers by terming them as the friend of Allah Almighty. It also gives the lesson of welfare and dignity of the labourers and says that payments of labourers should be paid without any delay. The Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan also provides necessary protection to the rights of the labourers.
"The goal of durable socio-economic development cannot be achieved without giving due status to the working class, as their role is pivotal in giving sound foundations to the national economy. The human resource is the backbone of trade and industry. It is the reason that government is giving full attention to improve the lot of working class and solid steps have been taken for welfare of the workers," he added.
According to him, under the skills development programme of the Punjab government, thousands of youth have been trained. Along with it, thousands of children of brick-kiln workers have been brought to schools for their education. The workers are fully benefiting from the labour-friendly policies of the Punjab government and a number of programmes are underway to provide residential, treatment and quality educational facilities to the workers. The establishment of quality educational institutions, network of social security hospitals as well as labour colonies is the clear proof of labour-friendly policies of the provincial government.
"May 1 gives an opportunity to reiterate our commitments for protecting workers' rights. We have to reaffirm our commitment towards workers' welfare and help them in struggling for their legitimate rights," he said.