Hey readers! Let's shine some spotlight on International Workers Day, Labor day, May day or 1st May. Labor day is celebrated by workers or labours globally, honouring the hardship and endowment of the workforce, which forms the backbone of the nation's economy. But does "medical professionals" be entitled under such workforce and given a holiday? Considering there is a separate " doctor's day, Nurses day and Pharmacy day" dedicated to each particular medical expert profession!
Background analysis
Each country, USA, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Europe, UAE; has its own story of labor's struggle to tell and an important moral to preach!. Globally. Labor day is celebrated in 160 countries like in America, Asia, Europe, Africa, UAE, Labor day is celebrated on May 1st (1). In India, states like West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashta issue a public holiday (2)(3). Even though Labor day is widely celebrated in India, but in some parts of India, the labors or the workers are not granted leave. In UAE, Labor day is celebrated extensively but donot issue public holiday (4). Some of the countries like Canada, Australia, Japan and New Zeland, still have contradictory opinion on Labor day and don't consider the celebration (5).
These uneven formats for the celebration of Labor day across globe arises the question - who all are eligible for Labor day holiday? Are Medical Professionals be issued Labor day hoilday? If so, then does the Medical Professional falls under the category of labor.
Purpose of Labor Day celebration
Labor day is International Labour Day stands as a testament to the progress made in workers' rights advocacy and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and fair treatment in the workplace. This year, amidst unprecedented global challenges, the significance of Labour Day resonates more deeply than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the essential role of frontline workers, from healthcare professionals to grocery store employees, who have continued to keep societies functioning despite immense risks. As we celebrate Labour Day, it's crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the diverse workforce that drives economies forward. Whether it's factory workers, educators, farmers, or service industry professionals, each individual contributes uniquely to the fabric of society. However, while we take this day to honor the labor force, it's essential to recognize the persisting issues that workers face worldwide. From income inequality to unsafe working conditions, there's still much work to be done to ensure the well-being and dignity of all workers (6).
What is Public Holiday?
The dictionary meaning of Public holiday is when everyone in a particular country does not have to go to work or school (7).
Understanding the elegibility of public hoilday
In India, as per the Factory Act 1948 (8), an employee or labor who has engaged with a firm or work with a firm for at least 240 calander days,(both full-time or part-time category), are entitled for paid time-off during public hoilday (9). In America, workers under federal government, working in affiliated federal government or have a fixed schedule of work throughout the year are elegible for paid day-off during public hoildays (10). In Europe, a full-time employee are elegible for paied public hoildays (11). Similarly, each country have their own rules for eligibility for public holiday.
Therefore, as per this eligibitily criteria discussed, the " medical professionals- doctors, nurses, pharmacist and allied health sciences" are elegible for paid day-off during public holidays like Labor day. But does this mean we can categorised "medical professionals as LABOR"?
Can we categoris "medical professionals as LABOR"?
To understand this let us dissect the concept of labors. There are 3 categories of labors: (12)
- Unskilled labor
- Semiskilled labor
- Skilled labor
Unskilled labor: people of the firm with no particular skills and are not require to use their judgement for working. Their work ship mostly involves physical efforts. e.g. cleaner, janitor and groundkeepers of the hospital.
Semiskilled labor: This category workers do not require specialized expert to execute their work. They are generally highschool graduate but not necessarily a college degree holder. e.g. Ambulance driver, front-desk attendees, instrument installers of hospital.
Skilled labor: people with specialized training and expertise and are capable to use their judgement to execute the work. They generally have higher college drgrees and keeps knowladge about a particular traid. e.g. doctors, nurses and pharmacist.
Thus, Medical Professionals are to be considered for Labor day holiday on 1st May and can be categorised under skilled labors of the nation.
*** A fact about medical facility is that it's never shut 24 hours. There is always the emergency room in every medical facility/ hospital open 24 X 7 and there is always doctors, nurses, pharmacist and allied healthcare workers on the call!. So we can rightfully say that medical professionals are one on the hardest working skilled labors of the nation and we are grateful for their self-less service.
How can you contribute to Labor day celebration ?
- Provide them a token of recognition from your firm
- Spread awareness about labor rights and make unskilled or semiskilled labor aware about their rights.
- Respect all the labors adequately
- report child labor
Happy Labor Day!