The day after

Labor Day this year was celebrated with the usual fervor, marked by dramatic displays complete with hundreds of flags reminiscent of the Nazi marches during the reign of Adolf Hitler that evoked the discipline of a tightly orchestrated parade intended to project workers’ solidarity and strength.

Beyond the spectacle, this year’s marches showed the rigidity of the unions’ cause, seemingly designed to impress and intimidate employers and the government with a message of moral righteousness and the urgency of their labor demands.

There was the usual old and tired cry for an unreasonable legislated wage increase, greater job security, and other benefits exceeding practical economic limits that are beyond impossible.

Such demands continue to clash with the economic realities facing businesses already grappling with post-pandemic recovery, inflation, and global uncertainties.

The burning of effigies was conspicuously absent this year though probably because there was no clear antagonist whom labor unions love to hate or it was a sign of improved relations among labor, employers, and the government.

Whatever the reason, this made such burning normally seen as a gesture of confrontation unnecessary. This could suggest a shift in strategy, with unions now presenting themselves as more mature, reasonable, and peaceful actors in the national dialogue.

From confrontational rhetoric, unions have chosen to highlight the “pathetic” and “miserable” condition of workers and harp on their core demand of a legislated wage increase of P200 per day.

Strikingly, one remarkable display of astute statesmanship was shown by President BBM when he asked labor groups to temper their demand for a legislated P200/day wage increase and to refer it to the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards for thorough study as it would direly impact business and the economy. He categorically clarified that wage level adjustments were outside the ambit of Congress and belonged to the RTWPB.

With this pronouncement, President BBM showed courage, forthrightness, and a deep understanding of labor issues and policies. By affirming institutional processes over populist shortcuts, he demonstrated political maturity, economic understanding and a respect for dialogue over decree.

His presence at the labor gathering was in itself a gesture of respect for workers by personally and officially honoring their special day. His message was not a dismissal of labor’s grievances but an invitation to engage directly and sincerely in the policy process.

Labor Day should henceforth focus on celebrating the successes of labor advocacy and pay tribute to tripartite achievements like better wages, safer workplaces, progressive labor laws, and open dialogue with all stakeholders. It should become a platform to measure how far labor rights have come, and where meaningful work still needs to be undertaken.

The day should be a national fiesta, not a partisan and divisive demonstration, but a joint commemoration of the shared journey of labor, employers and government. Only then will Labor Day truly honor its purpose of strengthening the bonds that move the nation toward a dignified, prosperous, and inclusive future for all.