Labor Day, celebrated on May 1, is a significant date worldwide, and in Peru, this commemoration has a special nuance that mixes the history of the workers' struggle, cultural traditions and contemporary challenges.
History of Labor Day in Peru
The celebration of Labor Day in Peru has its roots in the struggle for labor rights that arose in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the global context, the date originated in the United States with the Haymarket events in Chicago, where workers demanding an eight-hour work day were violently repressed by the police, resulting in the death of several of them. This event led to the proclamation of May 1 as International Workers' Day.
In Peru, the labour movement began to gain strength at the beginning of the 20th century, influenced by the anarchist and socialist currents that came from Europe. The first trade union organisations emerged in sectors such as mining and manufacturing, and were fundamental in the fight for better working conditions. In 1905, the first major general strike took place in Lima, in which workers demanded a reduction in the working day and better wages.
On May 1, 1919, Peruvian workers achieved one of their first great victories: the approval of the eight-hour work day. This achievement marked a milestone in the country's labor history and became a symbol of the workers' struggle. From then on, Labor Day was established as a date of commemoration and vindication of workers' rights in Peru.
Ways to Celebrate Labor Day in Peru
Labor Day in Peru is a national holiday, meaning that most workers have the day off to participate in various commemorative activities. Celebrations vary depending on the region and city, but generally include demonstrations, parades, and cultural events.
In Lima, the country's capital, it is common for unions and labor organizations to organize marches along the city's main avenues. These marches usually culminate in Plaza San Martín, an emblematic place for social and political demonstrations. During these rallies, union and political leaders give speeches in which they take stock of the labor situation in the country and present the demands of workers.
In other cities around the country, such as Arequipa, Cusco, and Trujillo, parades and public events are also held. In many rural communities, Labor Day blends with local festivities, incorporating elements of indigenous and mestizo culture, such as music, dance, and gastronomy.
Contemporary Challenges for Peruvian Workers
Despite the progress made throughout history, workers in Peru still face numerous challenges today. One of the most pressing issues is informal employment. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), around 70% of the economically active population in Peru works in the informal sector, which means they do not have access to employment benefits such as social security, pensions, and paid vacations.
Informal employment is closely linked to other problems, such as low wages and precarious working conditions. Many informal workers are forced to accept poorly paid jobs with no guarantees of security, which puts them in a situation of economic and social vulnerability. In addition, the lack of job stability prevents these workers from planning their future and improving their quality of life.
Another major challenge is gender inequality in the workplace. Although women have gained ground in the workforce, they still face significant barriers, such as the wage gap and discrimination in accessing leadership positions. According to a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), women in Peru earn on average 30% less than men for work of equal value. This inequality is exacerbated by the double burden that many women face in having to balance paid work with household responsibilities and childcare.
The situation of rural workers also deserves special attention. In rural areas of Peru, agricultural work is the main source of employment, but working conditions are often very harsh. Many agricultural workers work in semi-slave-like conditions, with exhausting hours and minimal wages. In addition, the lack of access to basic services such as health and education aggravates their poverty.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Work in Peru
The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the Peruvian labor market. Millions of people lost their jobs, and many others saw their incomes drastically reduced. The most affected sectors were those that depend on physical contact and mobility, such as tourism, hospitality, and commerce.
The pandemic also exacerbated existing inequality in the country. Informal workers were the hardest hit, as they were unable to access the benefits of government assistance programs. In addition, many women were forced to leave the labor market to care for their families, which deepened the gender gap.
In response to the crisis, the Peruvian government implemented a series of measures to protect workers and reactivate the economy. These measures included subsidies to companies to avoid mass layoffs, the flexibilization of labor contracts, and the promotion of teleworking. However, the recovery has been slow, and many workers continue to face difficulties in finding employment and securing sufficient income to survive.
Looking ahead, it is clear that Peru faces significant challenges in improving working conditions and reducing inequality in the country. Formalizing employment is one of the most urgent priorities. To achieve this, it is necessary to implement policies that encourage companies to register their workers and offer them social security benefits. This could include simplifying administrative procedures and reducing the costs associated with formalization.
Education and job training also play a crucial role in improving working conditions. Investing in worker training, especially in rural areas and among women, could help reduce the skills gap and increase productivity. In addition, technical and vocational education needs to be strengthened to prepare the workforce for the challenges of the digital economy.
Promoting gender equality in the workplace is another key aspect. This requires both legislative and cultural changes. It is essential to implement policies that promote equal pay, as well as programmes that support women in their professional development and in reconciling work and family life.
Finally, it is crucial to address working conditions in rural areas of the country. This involves not only improving wages and working conditions in the agricultural sector, but also diversifying the rural economy to create new employment opportunities in sectors such as tourism, crafts, and services.
Labor Day in Peru is a date that invites us to reflect on the progress made in the fight for labor rights, but also reminds us of the challenges that remain. Throughout its history, Peruvian workers have demonstrated a great capacity for organization and resistance, achieving important victories that have improved their living conditions.