137th International Workers' Day being marked today

KATHMANDU: The 137th International Workers’ Day is being marked worldwide today, with events and demonstrations calling for respect for labour and fair wages.

The day has been observed since 1890 in recognition of the 1886 workers’ movement in the United States that demanded respect for labour.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security is organising programmes across Nepal in partnership with employers, employees and development partners.

Across the world, the day is marked by events and demonstrations that press governments and employers to respect workers’ rights, including fair wages to ensure a decent standard of living.

In Nepal, the observance is linked to the workers’ movement in Biratnagar in 2007 BS. The day gained greater emphasis after the restoration of democracy in 2046 BS, when it was designated a public holiday.

The umbrella organisation of active trade unions in Nepal, the Joint Trade Union Coordination Centre (JTUCC), is bringing workers together to mark the day.

(With inputs from RSS)