Two days ago the working class and the toiling mass around the world observed May Day as international working class solidarity day. On that day, the working people took pledge to continue their struggle against exploitation.

Historic May Day started with the demand of eight hours as the legal limit of the working day. The working class has achieved this demand of eight hours everywhere around the world. Taking advantage of that the question is being put forward before the people about the contemporary relevance of observance of May Day.

We can not forget that the demand of legal limit was the preliminary demand of the working class against exploitation. But the ultimate objective of such demand was to end exploitation of workers by bourgeoisie. In reality, exploitation of workers by the bourgeoisie, instead of being reduced, has increased further.

Despite tremendous technological advancement, today, the bourgeoisie is not able to stop erosion in the rate of profit. Technological innovations are responsible for increasing productivity of the workers, which needs expanded market for further accumulation of surplus value. But today, everywhere around the world, industries are being liquidated, throwing a large number of workforces out of job. Cutbacks are effected in the realm of production also. Therefore, there is no scope for the bourgeoisie to enjoy the benefit of expanded market for their survival. This in turn is leading to reduction of workers and forces upon increased oppression on the remaining workers and thereby extracts additional surplus value.

In the name of globalisation, a global trade war has started to get hold of the vast market of the third world countries. In countries, through unmitigated use of anti-people fiscal and monetary measures, the masses are being attacked severely. These attacks are also characterised by an attempt to curtail the hard-earned rights of the trade unions.

When there is increased exploitation, when there is increased attack on the toiling masses, the contemporary relevance of observance of May Day can not be questioned.

^{3rd May 1999.}