By Arshad Jan
SWAT: Labourers and daily wage workers in Swat expressed on Tuesday that despite it being International Labour Day, they had to continue working as they couldn’t afford to take time off.
International Labour Day was observed across various parts of Swat, aiming to underscore its significance and pay tribute to labourers for their dedication and hard work.
In Matta tehsil of Swat, a rally was organised by the HB Group in collaboration with Swat Adabi Alwat Pakhtunkhwa at Matta Chowk. Participants held placards and banners advocating for labour rights and better facilitation.
During the event, the CEO of HB Group, Malak Abdul Hamid Khan, highlighted the importance of supporting labourers and raising awareness about their contributions. He emphasised the equality of all individuals, regardless of their profession, and called for respectful treatment of labourers in society.
However, many labourers who took part in the rally expressed their ongoing struggles due to poverty and high inflation, which compelled them to work even on May 1st. They urged the government to control the prices of essential commodities.
Sohail, a pea field worker from Drushkhela village in Matta Swat, spoke about the harsh realities of poverty and inflation, stating that he had to work on Labour Day. He demanded the government to raise daily wages and create more job opportunities.
Zakarya, another daily wage worker, echoed similar sentiments, citing the relentless impact of inflation on their lives. He stressed the need for the government to provide employment opportunities to alleviate their hardships.
Every year on May 1st, Labour Day is commemorated globally in remembrance of the Chicago workers who were killed by police while advocating for an eight-hour workday in 1886.
