HAPPY INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY!
Labour Day honors workers’ rights rooted in global human rights law—enshrined in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—which affirm fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.
The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, establishes the foundation for international human rights, including the rights of workers. Two key articles—Article 23 and Article 24—specifically address labour rights:
Article 23 – Right to Work and Fair Conditions
➤ Everyone has the right to work and to freely choose their employment.
➤ Everyone is entitled to just and favorable work conditions.
➤ Equal pay for equal work is a fundamental right.
➤ Workers have the right to form and join trade unions to protect their interests.
Article 24 – Right to Rest and Leisure
➤ Recognizes the right to rest, including reasonable limits on working hours.
➤ Supports paid holidays and time off as part of fair labor practices.
These protections are further reinforced by binding ILO conventions, which set international labor standards on rights such as collective bargaining, workplace safety, and fair treatment. The UDHR lays the foundation for international human rights standards, with Article 23 and Article 24 specifically recognizing the right to work under just and favorable conditions and the right to rest and leisure. These principles extend beyond traditional industries and apply equally in academic and research fields—sectors often overlooked when discussing labour rights.
Yet, the actual implementation of these rights remains a challenge. Precarious contracts, unpaid internships, overwork, and the undervaluing of intellectual and care labour persist even in educational institutions. Upholding the dignity of labour means recognizing all forms of work—manual, intellectual, and emotional—as vital and deserving of respect and protection. Real progress requires not only legal frameworks but also a cultural shift that values every contribution and ensures equitable treatment across all fields, industries and sectors.
#AcademicFreedom #UDHR #ICESCR #HumanRights #DignityOfLabour #SHAPESEA #SoutheastAsia #LabourRights #Mayday #LabourDay #WorkersRights
Let us honor every hand that builds, creates, and serves—and stand in solidarity for the dignity of labor.
