May Day, May Day—A Call to Protect the Unseen

May Day, May Day! It's the universal signal for distress—a call for help, an urgent cry when danger looms. But May Day, May 1, is also Labour Day, a time to celebrate workers and their invaluable contributions to our society. When you hear that call, you're meant to act, not just listen. Today, I'm calling out to you—because there's danger on the horizon for millions of workers, and we can't ignore it.

I've always had a special place in my heart for the unseen laborers, those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, keeping our lives running while barely being seen themselves. Back when I lived in Boston, I’d frequent a lively farmers' market called Haymarket. It was only later that I learned of its connection to the historic Haymarket Affair of 1886, where workers stood up for their rights, for an eight-hour workday, and for the dignity they deserved. Their struggle, their courage, it all echoed through the generations, reminding us why May 1 is so important. It's not just a day off—it’s a rallying cry for justice.

Here in India, Labour Day has an added urgency. The stakes are high, and the dangers are real. We're a nation of over 500 million workers, and the majority—some 80-90%—are part of the informal sector. These are the domestic workers, the construction laborers, the sanitation workers, the agricultural laborers, so many more including care providers. They're the ones who build our cities, keep our homes running, grow our food, and nurture us. Yet, they're also the ones who are most at risk. They work long hours for no to low pay, often without the safety nets that many of us take for granted.

Think about it: Can you imagine cleaning houses every day without health insurance? Building skyscrapers without safety gear? Or working under the scorching sun during a heatwave without access to clean water? That's the reality for millions of workers in India, and it's unacceptable. This is where we need to sound the alarm. May Day, May Day!

PC: VM Satish

The current heat wave sweeping across India only amplifies these risks. Temperatures are rising, and with it, the chances of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and heatstroke. This isn't just uncomfortable—it's life-threatening. We can't sit back and watch as the most vulnerable among us suffer. We need to act.

Employers must step up. Give your workers breaks, provide shade, and ensure they have access to clean drinking water. Change your work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Safety isn't optional—it's essential. And for policymakers, the call is equally clear. Expand programs like the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to cover more workers. Use the e-SHRAM Portal to ensure that no one is left out. These aren't luxuries; they're lifelines.

As I stand here, reflecting on the significance of Labour Day, I can't help but think of the legacy of those who fought for workers' rights before us. They were brave, determined, and resolute. It's our turn to carry that torch, to fight for the hidden laborers who need us the most. May Day is a call to action, a call to make a difference.

So let's heed the call. Let's not just listen but act. Because when we do, we don't just honor the workers of the past—we protect the workers of today and pave the way for a better tomorrow.

May Day, May Day— Are you ready to answer the call?