ISLAMABAD (NNI) President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that the government will do everything possible for the emancipation of the working classes and to ensure dignity, honour and decent living to them. The PPP has traditionally derived its strength from the labour, the peasants and the daily wage earners and it is determined to free them from exploitation, the President said in his message on the occasion of Labour Day, observed every year on May 1. May Day today reminds us of the promises made to the workers to improve their lot and bring to an end their exploitation and also review the progress made thus far, he added. President Asif Ali Zardari said a dissatisfied work force causes decline in low productivity and also contributes to industrial unrest, adding, It is, therefore, also in national interest to improve the lot of the working classes and protect them from exploitation. The President also paid tributes to the Chicago martyrs for their struggle against oppressive socio-economic system a century ago, saying that in laying down their lives they lit the path for generations of workers to come. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stated that the government believes in the dignity of labour and believes that a prosperous work force can enable Pakistan to compete in a globalised market environment. We are celebrating May Day with a resolve to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of labour and to pay tribute to the valiant and heroic struggle of the workers of Chicago who sacrificed their lives for the fundamental rights of their fellow workers. Labour, no doubt, is the backbone of the industry and keep its wheel running. It is the worker community, who due to hard work, have enabled the economy to maintain high economic growth, massive production and high levels of productivity, Gilani said in his message on the occasion of Labour Day observed every year on May 1. The Prime Minister said Pakistan Peoples Party is striving devotedly for the rights and welfare of workers since its inception, adding, it was the PPP government which for the first time observed Labour Day in Pakistan. Highlighting the major initiatives, Gilani said Minimum wage for unskilled labour has been enhanced from Rs. 6000 per month to Rs.7000 per month; Workers have been given share in state enterprises; reinstatement of sacked employees/workers has been ensured under the Sacked Employees (Reinstatement) Act 2010; a large number of labour welfare schemes have been introduced for workers and their children; medical coverage has been expanded; and employees old age pension has been enhanced to Rs.3000 per month.