May Day has always stood as an enduring declaration of workers’ rights. More than a century and a half has passed since the bloodshed of Chicago in 1886. Yet, today we must ask: is the hard-earned “eight-hour workday” truly secure? From the smoke-filled factories of Chicago to the glass towers of Silicon Valley, the nature of labour has transformed and so has the nature of exploitation.
Standing in the morning of May Day 2026, we are confronted with a new and unavoidable reality: the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The struggle is no longer confined to factories or demands for higher wages. Today’s challenge is far more subtle, mathematical, and mechanized. As artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics penetrate every aspect of our lives, the issue is no longer merely the strength of human labour but the very question of its survival.
The traditional struggle symbolized by the hammer and sickle has now become entangled in the maze of coding and algorithms. While the Fourth Industrial Revolution opens new horizons, it also raises a critical concern: are workers’ fundamental rights and social protections being overshadowed? The modern struggle is no longer just about working hours it is about existence itself, about humanity’s place in an increasingly automated world.
Consider a real-life example. Mariam Begum worked for 20 years in a garment factory in Savar, skillfully operating a sewing machine. Her income sustained her family and educated her children. But last year, her factory introduced an automated robotic sewing arm. A task once performed by ten workers like Mariam is now completed effortlessly by a single machine. Her skilled hands have become “redundant” in the face of mechanical algorithms. This is not just Mariam’s story—it reflects the harsh reality faced by millions of workers in Bangladesh today. While automation increases productivity, it simultaneously pushes workers toward uncertainty and insecurity. As we celebrate economic growth, are we truly hearing these silent cries?
Another pressing issue in today’s labour market is what may be termed “digital servitude.” We are living in the era of the gig economy. Delivery workers and ride-share drivers, operating through smartphone apps, are the new workforce. Yet, do they have fixed working hours? Do they enjoy social security? Though they appear independent, they are in fact controlled by invisible algorithms. The spirit of 1886 sought to reduce working hours; yet in 2026, technology is eroding personal time altogether. Workers are now expected to remain connected 24/7 through laptops and smartphones an ironic contradiction of May Day’s core philosophy.
Moreover, while technology has significantly increased productivity, the majority of its benefits are captured by capital owners. Workers’ wages have not increased proportionately, widening the gap between rich and poor.
Should we oppose technology, then? Certainly not. Technology is indispensable for the advancement of civilization. But it must serve as a collaborator, not a replacement for human beings. On this May Day 2026, our demand should be the equitable distribution of technological gains. If a robot can perform the work of ten workers, then a portion of that productivity must be invested in worker welfare and retraining.
There is also an urgent need for new labour laws to protect digital platform workers. It is not enough to lay off workers; they must be equipped with modern technological skills. The state and employers must take responsibility for ensuring digital literacy. Skill development must not remain a theoretical concept—it should become a fundamental right of workers. And where automation reduces employment opportunities, the state must consider alternative income mechanisms.
History reminds us that it is workers—not machines—who drive civilization forward. Robots may produce flawless goods, but they cannot replicate the human touch or emotional value embedded in them. At this critical juncture of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, our commitment must be clear: development must be human-centered, not machine-centered.
Let the sacrifices of Chicago’s workers not be in vain. In this tide of technological advancement, let us ensure that the dignity and sweat of workers are not washed away. On this May Day 2026, let our collective voice declare: technology must serve humanity, not displace it. The world belongs to people, and it is through their labour that its future must continue to thrive.
Let the dignity of labour prevail. Long live the harmony between workers and employers. Long live the eternal spirit of May Day.
