From Haymarket Affair to Tripura: The Unfinished War of Labour

Abhishek Bhowmik

May 1, 2026

May 1, or International Labour Day, is not merely a ceremonial observance. It represents the long history of struggle, sacrifice, and resistance of the working class across the world. The origin of this day lies in the historic Haymarket Affair of Chicago in 1886, which marked a turning point in the modern labour movement. During this period, nearly 300,000 workers participated in mass protests demanding an eight hour workday, at a time when workers were forced to work ten to twelve hours a day under extremely poor conditions. Historical records of the American labour movement indicate that wages were very low and workplace safety was minimal. Following this event, the Second International in Paris in 1889 officially declared May 1 as International Workers Day. According to the International Labour Organization, this day is now observed in more than eighty countries worldwide.

However, even after more than 130 years, the struggle of workers has not come to an end. Instead, it has transformed into new forms under changing economic conditions. According to the International Labour Organization report titled World Employment and Social Outlook 2023, around 28 percent of workers globally are engaged in informal employment, where they lack any form of social protection. The World Bank further highlights that in low and middle income countries, the share of informal employment is significantly higher. In South Asia, for instance, nearly 70 percent of workers are part of the informal economy.

In the Indian context, the situation is even more complex. A report by NITI Aayog states that nearly 90 percent of employment in India is in the informal sector. This creates a condition of insecurity, low wages, and absence of social benefits for the majority of workers. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2022 to 2023, the urban unemployment rate remains between 7 and 8 percent. Youth unemployment, especially among those aged 15 to 29, is even higher. Data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy shows that the overall unemployment rate in India was approximately 7.5 percent in 2023. These figures indicate that despite economic growth, the quality and stability of employment remain major concerns.

This broader national and global reality is clearly reflected in the small northeastern state of Tripura. The economy of Tripura largely depends on agriculture, small industries, and the service sector. According to the Tea Board of India, there are more than 55 tea gardens in the state, employing thousands of workers. However, the daily wage of these workers ranges between 170 and 200 rupees, which is comparatively low when measured against several other states in India. Reports from the Indian Tea Association also indicate that the standard of living of tea garden workers remains poor, particularly in terms of health and education.

Estimates from the Tripura Labour Department suggest that around 60 to 70 percent of the workforce in the state is engaged in the informal sector. This includes construction workers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, small traders, and domestic workers. According to data from the National Sample Survey Office, most of these workers do not have access to pension, health insurance, or job security. As a result, they remain economically vulnerable and socially insecure.

In rural areas, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act plays an important role in providing employment. According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the scheme guarantees up to 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. However, in practice, this guarantee is often not fully realized. Data from 2022 to 2023 shows that in many regions, including parts of Tripura, the average number of working days provided ranges between 50 and 60 days. This gap significantly affects the income stability of rural workers.

In this context, the role of labour organizations becomes highly significant. The Communist Party of India Marxist and other left oriented organizations have historically played an important role in advocating for workers rights. During the period of the Left Front government in Tripura, especially around 2014 to 2015, the implementation of MGNREGA was recognized as one of the best in the country, according to reports of the Ministry of Rural Development. At the same time, the Public Distribution System was strengthened, ensuring food security for poor and working class people under the framework of the National Food Security Act. Although many challenges still remain, organized movements and policy interventions have contributed to bringing labour issues into public discourse.

In recent years, new challenges have emerged in the labour market. Technological advancement, automation, and the expansion of the digital economy have reduced the demand for traditional forms of labour in several sectors. According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2023, nearly 23 percent of jobs are expected to undergo structural changes by 2027. While some jobs will disappear, new roles will require advanced skills, creating difficulties for low skilled workers.

Migration is another important issue. A significant number of workers and young people from Tripura migrate to other states in search of employment. According to the Economic Survey of Tripura, limited industrial development and employment opportunities contribute to this trend. As a result, the local economy faces challenges, and migrant workers often encounter exploitation in unfamiliar environments.

From a political science perspective, the ideas of Karl Marx regarding class struggle remain relevant even today. In his work Das Kapital, Marx explained the inherent conflict between labour and capital under a capitalist system. In contemporary times, this conflict can be observed in the rise of contract labour, gig economy jobs, and informal employment structures. However, in modern democratic systems, the resolution of such conflicts does not necessarily lie in revolution alone. It can also be addressed through policy making, social dialogue, and democratic movements.

In India, the introduction of Labour Codes in 2020 aimed to consolidate and simplify labour laws. According to the Government of India, these reforms are intended to improve social security and ease of doing business. However, several trade unions have raised concerns that these laws may weaken workers rights in certain areas. This ongoing debate highlights the complexity of labour policy in a developing economy.

In conclusion, the struggle that began in 1886 at Haymarket continues even today in different forms. The situation in Tripura reflects the broader challenges faced by workers in India and across the world. May 1 is therefore not just a day of remembrance, but a renewed commitment to the rights, dignity, and justice of the working class. History teaches us that labour rights are never granted easily. They are achieved through continuous struggle, organization, and awareness. This struggle will continue in the future until a just, equitable, and humane society is established. (Author: M.A in Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration)

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