Iran (IMNA) - In many countries, including Iran, the day is recognized as an official holiday, serving as a platform to highlight the achievements of workers and advocate for their rights.
The origins of International Workers’ Day can be traced back to ancient spring festivals, but its modern significance emerged from the labor movement of the late 19th century. The pivotal moment came in 1886, when U.S. workers staged mass strikes demanding an eight-hour workday. The subsequent Haymarket Affair in Chicago, marked by violence and loss of life, galvanized the global labor movement. In 1889, the Second International designated May 1 as a day of international demonstrations to commemorate these events and the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights.
Today, International Workers’ Day is marked by marches, rallies, and demonstrations around the world. These gatherings call for improved working conditions, fair wages, and social justice, reflecting the enduring power of collective action. The day also draws attention to contemporary challenges such as job insecurity and income inequality, underscoring the continued relevance of the labor movement.
In Iran, International Workers’ Day is both a celebration and a call to action. The occasion provides an opportunity for cultural expression, with traditional music and poetry honoring the contributions of workers to Iranian heritage. As the country faces economic challenges, the day serves as a reminder of the need to invest in the workforce to build a more equitable and prosperous society.
Government officials in Iran often use the day to address workers directly, outlining policies aimed at improving their lives. The celebration extends beyond official events, resonating in factories, farms, and workshops across the nation, where ordinary Iranians gather to share experiences and voice their aspirations for a brighter future.
The grassroots nature of these gatherings reinforces the idea that the labor movement is a vibrant expression of the people’s will, not merely a top-down initiative. International Workers’ Day in Iran is also a moment to reflect on the achievements and challenges faced by the nation’s workforce, including issues such as unemployment, job security, and the need for stronger labor laws.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has emphasized the high value Islam places on workers, citing the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) gesture of kissing a worker’s calloused hands as a symbol of their immense worth. He distinguishes Islam’s intrinsic appreciation of labor from materialistic perspectives that view workers merely as tools for wealth creation. Ayatollah Khamenei also highlights the crucial partnership between workers and entrepreneurs, especially as Iran navigates what he describes as an “economic war” imposed by external adversaries.
International Workers’ Day is thus more than a holiday-it is a call to action and a reaffirmation of the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights. It is a day to appreciate the invaluable contributions of the workforce and to renew the collective commitment to building a better future for all working people.
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