LABOR DAY: BENEFITS OR HOLIDAY?

The nation observes on this day, the 1^st of May, Labor Day. By decreeing it a holiday Filipinos commemorate this day in honor of labor.

In every economy in the world labor plays a vital role. Economic growth depends much from the labor sector. So much so, that a vigorous economy is spelled out from a strong and developed labor force.

In the Philippines, nothing’s different. Labor is the backbone of its economy. Hence, it is therefore proper that this country gives labor and the laborer enough recognition for that noble part it partakes in building this nation.

However, I could not help but notice the meager acknowledgment bestowed upon the people behind the labor whose work force drives the labor machinery and the nation’s economy into action.

The workers and the laborers both in the government and in the private sectors are the most abused citizen in this body politic. Workers in this country have never experienced a blissful life. Since time immemorial, most laborers have been immersed in a poverty stricken world where benefits and privileges are in scarcity. Several governments have gone yet laborers have never been unchained from the bondage of poverty. Declaring Labor Day, as a holiday is not enough, in fact, it is not even close enough. Governmental policies on labor and labor legislation must be the paramount concern of the government. Giving laborers a single day to take a brief rest from work is an insult rather than a benefit or a privilege. Workers don’t need a holiday, what they want is concrete and tangible benefits commensurate of their labor and sufferings in giving forth life force to the country’s economy.

To the deaf ears of the policy makers and implementers, here is a list of what workers are asking for the longest time now. To wit: higher salaries and or tax exemptions of workers; decent health benefits; realistic pension and life plan benefits; humane work place; worker’s protection; and a good government.

One-day rest from work in honor of the great day of labor allotted to the workers is reflective of the importance given to labor by the government. That is how little labor and the laborers are to the government. Worker’s welfare is nothing but a day’s rest. The government has turned deaf-ears to the plea of the workers. The Labor Force is so much unlike the Arm Force. The present government banks in more in the Arm Force for it’s needed security in power, it being an unpopular government. Unfortunately, to the Labor Force no faithful policy was ever been formulated and implemented for its betterment. No funds were channeled in, no salaries were increased, no benefits for the spouses and children, no modernization plan drafted, no priority agenda was talked about, and worse, no laborers have been emancipated from poverty.

The observance of Labor Day by giving workers’ day off with an empty pocket is an empty gesture of commemorating their noble role in nation building. Instead, fill up their pockets and extend them their reasonable benefits and give them the choice whether to take the day off or not on May 1^st is a genuine showing of gratitude to laborers and the labor.

To all the Filipino workers here and abroad, I salute you. You are the champion of our economy and the modern heroes of the country. Mabuhay ang mga Manggagawang Filipino at ang dakilang Araw ng Paggawa. Mabuhay tayong lahat!