Shimla, May 1
—International Workers’ Day was observed across Himachal Pradesh with a mix of protest and official outreach, as trade unions raised concerns over labour rights and growing economic inequality.
In the state capital Shimla, the main function was organised outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where members of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and other unions staged a dharna.
Addressing the gathering, CITU state secretary Vajinder Mehra called upon workers to remain united, alleging that labour rights are under increasing pressure from corporate influence on policy-making.
He claimed that attempts are being made to dilute labour laws, forcing workers into extended working hours of up to 12 hours a day, undermining protections historically secured through prolonged struggles.
Speakers at the protest emphasised that the concentration of wealth in a few hands poses a serious challenge to economic equity, and urged collective resistance to safeguard workers’ interests.
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Meanwhile, the district administration also marked the occasion by organising a workers’ sensitisation workshop in Shimla. Former Labour Commissioner D.K. Manta addressed labour officials and workers, highlighting the need for awareness of labour rights and effective implementation of existing legal provisions.
Senior trade union leader B.S. Ranjan, who has held key positions in employee unions including the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Employees Union, shared his experiences of labour movements.
Recalling his earlier activism, he noted that he had even faced imprisonment while fighting for workers’ rights before taking voluntary retirement to pursue a legal career.
Extending May Day greetings, Ranjan underscored the foundational role of workers in nation-building and global development. He referred to landmark legislations such as the Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, stressing that these were hard-won achievements of the labour movement, which also contributed to India’s freedom struggle.
He further highlighted provisions protecting workers from arbitrary termination and called for improved service conditions, fair wages, compassionate appointments, and regularisation of workers without forcing them into prolonged legal battles.
The day concluded with renewed calls for unity among workers to address emerging challenges in the labour sector.
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