Labor, Justice, and Human Dignity in the Context of May 1st

This study moves beyond treating May 1st, Labor and Solidarity Day, as a merely symbolic celebration. Instead, it approaches the day as a ground for social accountability centered on labor, justice, and the consciousness of "the rights of others" (kul hakkı). The value of labor—exalted as a "sacred trust" in Islamic tradition—is analyzed through Quranic verses, prophetic teachings, and historical examples. The article highlights the unbreakable link between respect for labor, the preservation of individual dignity, the establishment of social peace, and the survival of the state. The study covers a wide spectrum, from the deep mine pits of Zonguldak to the new generation of digital workers; from retirees who dedicated their lives to service to the silent heroes of domestic labor. Ultimately, it emphasizes that equitable wages, social security, and a human-centered understanding of justice are fundamental necessities for healing the social conscience and ensuring sustainable social peace.