QUETTA: Workers observed the May Day in the province with enthusiasm and paid tribute to martyrs of Chicago who sacrificed their lives 128 years ago to end exploitation of workers by capitalists.

Under the banners of the Pakistan Workers Confederation, All Pakistan Labour Federation, Balochistan Labour Federation and Pakistan Muslim League’s labour wing, workers took out processions in Quetta and district headquarters in the province and pledged to follow in the footsteps of the Chicago martyrs to fight for rights of workers.

In speeches at separate public gatherings, speakers criticised the labour policies formulated over the past six decades and said no government had made serious efforts to improve the working conditions of workers.

They said the Chicago martyrs had revolted against their exploitation and forced capitalists of the time to fix eight hours of service in industrial estates and provide basic amenities of bread, cloth and house to all workers.

The speakers said the wrong policies of the government were the main cause of the problems and miseries of the workers. Price hike, unemployment, mismanagement, nepotism, corruption and energy crisis were the product of the government’s anti-worker policies.

Trade union leaders said that labourers lacked basic facilities of education, health care and houses and were paid a meagre salary which was not enough to meet rising cost of living.

They accused the government of making policies and laws which suited industrialists and capitalists more and protected rights of only the rich at the cost of workers.

The speakers urged the workers to forge unity in their ranks because without unity they would not be able to achieve their rights.