A Pakistani labourer makes clay pots at a factory in Karachi on April 30, 2017, ahead of International Labour day. / AFP PHOTO / ASIF HASSAN — AFP or licensors
Labour Day is an annual celebration of the achievements of workers around the world. Though many countries celebrate it on different days of special significance to their respective labour forces, most, including Pakistan, observe the day on May 1.
The date was chosen to commemorate May 4, 1886, in which workers peacefully protesting the killing of labourers and demanding an eight-hour work day as a right clashed with Chicago police, resulting in several deaths and injuries.
All over the world, labour organisations hold different events focused on their rights on the Labour Day holiday. In South Asia in general and Pakistan in particular, its significance, however, seems to be lost on most of the people who depend on daily wages to survive.
A labourer makes clay dishes at a factory in Karachi. ─AFP
A child looks on, standing dangerously close as a labourer fires pots in a clay oven at a factory in Karachi. ─AFP
A labourer makes clay pots at a factory in Karachi. ─AFP
Labourers lay down bricks in scorching heat at a factory in Karachi. ─AFP
Labourers carry out daily tasks at an iron factory in Lahore. ─AFP
Man works at an iron factory ahead of International Workers' Day in Lahore. ─AFP
A Sri Lankan labourer carries a basket of bananas at the main market in Colombo. ─AFP
An Indian labourer carries a heavy load of bricks at a brick factory near Allahabad. ─AFP
Indian labourers work at a brick factory near Allahabad. ─AFP
Indian labourers sort rubble at a brick factory near Allahabad. ─AFP
An Indian labourer works at a brick factory near Allahabad. ─AFP
Indian labourers work at a brick factory near Allahabad. ─AFP
A labourer fills a wheelbarrow with concrete from a mixer in Islamabad. — AFP
A worker carries a sack of onions at a fruit and vegetable market in Peshawar on International Labour Day. — AFP
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