May Day reminds us that the contested work-life balance is just as relevant in the 2020s as in the 1850s
Union members march during May Day celebrations in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 1 2023. Picture: MARIANA NEDELCU/REUTERS
Unlike its position in relation to the International Criminal Court , SA’s celebrations of International Workers’ Day or Labour Day places it firmly with the rest of the international community, which celebrates the May 1 holiday. In fact, it is celebrated in more than 150 countries, usually with a public holiday, along with some who use the first Monday of May.The significance of this day is perhaps underlined in that there is no other non religious public holiday celebrated in quite as many countries. And although its origins date back to the 19th-century struggle for workers’ rights, it nevertheless remains important for the challenges employers and employees face in modern SA and beyond.
Even the expression gig work demonstrates the role of technology for workers across the wage spectrum. The Uber economy illustrates that technology can give flexibility and autonomy over when to work for many workers, albeit with insecurities and low pay for many.This year has been marked by the explosion of artificial intelligence technologies for day-to-day work and study. Some predict that the rapid rise of AI technologies could lead to even more time away from the office.
Innovations like the four-day workweek show that some firms are willing to innovate to be at the front edge of the change, but the timely reminder of International Workers’ Day will still be needed to prompt us that time underpins the struggle for a healthy, fair and balanced working life.
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