Government data shows that 93% of India’s workforce is still employed in the unorganized sector. This means much remains to be done to ensure minimum wages and social security for them. Millions of urban informal workers and agricultural laborers remain outside the protection of formal laws, highlighting the need for a comprehensive central legislation.
At the heart of Labour Day lies the economic, social, and health security of workers. In 1884, trade unions in the United States and Canada, under the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, called for a movement ensuring that no worker would work more than eight hours a day after May 1, 1886. In July 1889, the International Congress of Socialist Parties in Europe declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day (May Day). First observed on May 1, 1890, it is now celebrated as a public holiday in over 80 countries.
In India, Labour Day was first celebrated in Chennai on May 1, 1923. The International Labour Organization (ILO), established in 1919 and now a specialized agency of the United Nations, has played a key role in advancing workers’ rights globally. Although significant efforts have been made in India to improve labor conditions, the desired outcomes are yet to be fully achieved.
According to official data, 93% of India’s workforce is still engaged in the informal sector. This indicates that ensuring minimum wages and social security remains a major challenge. Millions of urban informal workers and agricultural laborers fall outside the scope of existing legal protections, underscoring the need for a comprehensive central law. Despite legislation such as the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947, exploitative and oppressive working conditions persist in many sectors.
While the female labor force participation rate (FLFPR) stands at around 37%, a significant portion of this comprises unpaid helpers, which is concerning. The government has introduced schemes like the Atal Insurance Scheme and the Social Security Code to provide coverage, but much more needs to be done. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 consolidated 13 labor laws, helping improve workplace environments. However, ensuring safety, dignity, equality, and economic empowerment for women workers still requires greater awareness and sustained efforts.
Although Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution guarantee equality and non-discrimination, building a safe and trustworthy work environment remains essential. Platforms like the SHE-Box portal provide online mechanisms for reporting workplace harassment. Initiatives like the Universal Account Number (UAN) have enabled portability of provident funds across jobs. Labor inspectors’ roles have also evolved into facilitators rather than enforcers, reducing exploitative practices. The Shram Suvidha Portal has simplified and increased transparency in filing industrial returns.
According to Amsterdam-based consultancy Arcadis, Indian employees work an average of 2,195 hours annually, compared to 1,473 hours in cities like Hamburg, Germany—over 700 hours more. Clearly, much remains to be done for workers. At the core of future efforts must be a shift from prioritizing productivity alone to valuing humanity. Only through such sustained and dedicated efforts can the true spirit of Labour Day be realized.