In recent years, people have seen how workers in all industries are essential in keeping countries afloat.
However, the relevance of employees in society spans centuries as they’re the backbones of communities that supported and preserved their growth. Eventually, by the late 19th century, advocates supporting workers’ rights lobbied to establish a national holiday to commemorate workers’ contributions, achievements, and struggles. Thus, International Workers’ Day or Labor Day was born.
As a national holiday in many countries, Labor Day allows people to get the day off to celebrate success and relax. In the Philippines, people celebrate Labor Day annually on May 1. It had a relevant beginning on May 1, 1903, through the Philippines’ first labor organization, “Union Obrera Democratica de Filipino (UODF).”
The U.O.D.F. was formed in February 1902 by Isabelo Delos Reyes and Herminigildo Cruz to defend the rights of the working class while under American occupation. In August 1902, the American-led government arrested Delos Reyes for rebellion, sedition, and conspiracy to raise the price of labor.
Eventually, Dominador Gomez succeeded in the position. UODF organized more than 100,000 employees to march from Plaza Moriones in Tondo to Malacañang to protest and demand fair wages and better working conditions from the then-American-led government in 1903. This protest marked the beginning of Labor Day efforts. It was considered one of the first protests on the streets of Manila. Gomez led the workers in the march, where he got arrested on similar grounds as Delos Reyes.
Five years later, on April 8, 1908, the Philippine Assembly passed a bill recognizing May 1 as Labor Day and declared it a national holiday.
On May 1, 1913, Cruz, the other founder of U.O.D.F. established the Congreso Obrero de Filipinas in support of Filipino workers and their rights. The party demanded fair working conditions for the labor sector, including eight-hour working days, an end to child labor, equal labor standards for women, and employers’ liability to their employees.
Despite Labor Day being an opportunity to unwind, labor groups and organizations also see it as a chance to take to the streets and call the government’s attention to their demand for better working environments.
A modern celebration
This year’s theme is “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino.” It signifies the advantages that Filipinos can enjoy on May 1, thanks to government initiatives and their collaborations.
Since it’s the 121st Labor Day in honor of Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment planned three primary activities to coincide with this year’s theme. These events are the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggawa, awarding government assistance to workers, and conducting simultaneous job fairs nationwide.
DOLE will partner with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) as it hosts the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa to help workers access affordable commodities. Moreover, DOLE will also spearhead The labor department will also lead the regional distribution of financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), and Government Internship Program (GIP).
The activities are on May 1, 2023, in DOLE’s 16 regional offices nationwide.
In the meantime, local governments can hold their own events to celebrate Labor Day accordingly to share in its purpose.
Other ways to participate in Labor Day
While Labor Day is a celebration for workers, by workers, there is no stopping others from contributing to the national holiday. Each Filipino household has some, if not all, workers from various industries. Besides having the day off and other benefits, there are more ways that everyday Filipinos can celebrate Labor Day to show their appreciation for what workers do.
For instance, children and others can compose letters of thanks to workers. Even with a few words, Filipino workers can discover how much people appreciate their hard work and efforts in accomplishing their responsibilities. They can also turn to social media to post their heartfelt messages and encourage others to do the same.
Some other activities include watching documentaries or learning more about Labor Day to raise awareness about the challenges workers face then and now. People can even support local products and services to help those in their respective industries earn income.
Meanwhile, business owners can also show appreciation to their workers in various ways. Among them is giving small bonuses or incentives, depending on the available budget. Once work resumes, treat workers to snacks, food, and other affordable experiences to reward and encourage them for their work.
A potluck party during lunch is also an ideal way to celebrate Labor Day. It can be a time when workers can come together to relax and catch up with their friends and savor equally good food.
On the other hand, some companies organize excursions to give their employees a break from their daily responsibilities. The Philippines has numerous tourist sites in and out of the metro worth exploring and experiencing.
Those who follow a hybrid work setup can maximize their situation by holding an online event, like a raffle, get-together, or concert, to treat their workers. A more feasible suggestion is hosting games where employees can win benefits or other commodities.
In the meantime, the national government will also offer other benefits like free transportation and pay incentives to workers on May 1.
Labor Day is a time for workers to take a break from their efforts in every industry. The day allows them to unwind and spend time with their loved ones as a much-deserved reward. Yet the global celebration goes beyond a day to celebrate workers.
During May 1, Filipinos look back at the struggles and challenges in the labor sector that advocates pushed to address, lobbying for workers’ rights for fair treatment and just wages. Although modern times present newer difficulties among workers, society must acknowledge the demands of employees as they’re a crucial part of every economy and community.