It’s Monday, September 1, 2008 here in the Philippines, although it’s probably still August 31 for many people who are reading this. The first Monday in September is Labor Day in the United States, so I thought I’d write a little bit about Labor Day in the Philippines. Now, let me be clear, though, Labor Day in the Philippines is not celebrated on the first Monday in September. Here in the Philippines, like in most of the world, Labor Day is May 1.
The first Labor Day in the Philippines was celebrated on May 1, around 100 years ago. I have found sources that say that the first Philippine Labor Day was on May 1, 1903, and I have also found sources saying that the first Philippine Labor Day was on May 1, 1913. I can’t really say which is correct, but I tend to lean toward 1903 being the correct one.
Labor Day in the Philippines is called “Araw ng Manggagawa” – Manggagawa being the Tagalog word meing “Worker” – so literally it is translated “Day of the Worker.”
Of course, Labor Day is a legal holiday, and Filipinos do not have to work on that day. Traditionally, during that time the President tends to review the minimum wages and determines if a raise in the Minimum Wage of the country is in order. Most jobs in the Philippines pay the minimum wage, and thus, most worker’s wages are set by the government, since they set the minimum wage. Sometimes, I wonder if people here realize that in the USA, and most first world countries, only a very small minority of jobs pay minimum wage, most jobs pay well above the minimum wage.
In my research about Labor Day in the Philippines, I read that the original workers who protested for better working conditions, which started Labor Day in the Philippines, were asking for these items:
- Eight Hour Work Day
- Abolition of Child Labor
- Just Labor Standards for Women
- Liability for Capatilists
To be honest, I don’t really understand what is meant by “Liability for Capatilists.” Perhaps they mean that if a businessman does something that injures or damages the workers in some way, he will be held legally liable. Other than that, I can’t figure out what it may mean.
Funny thing is that here we are, around 100 years after the first Philippine Labor Day, and most of those original goals are, in my opinion, still not realized by Philippine Workers:
Eight hour work day: Today, I think that most Filipinos work more than 8 hours in a single workday. I think that 10 or 12 hours is more common.
Abolition of Child Labor: Especially in the “underground economy” of the Philippines, many children work, it is not uncommon at all.
Just Labor Standards for Women: In this area, I believe that the goal has been accomplished. It seems to me that women are treated fairly in the workplace here (in comparison to their male counterparts). I mean, after all, unlike most countries (especially the USA), the Philippines has had two Female Presidents now.
What do you think, is the workforce in the Philippines treated fairly?
you know it's labor day in the philippines when there's a major protest rally on the mendiola bridge. it's as filipino as christmas lanterns in december.
treated fairly? aw, hell no. we can start with that 6 month temp worker status. but that's a fairly well known thing.
i know many who work in banks & i cringe at the rules they have. if you miscalculate the counting, there is no safety net. the numbers are automatically deducted from your salary.
Hi Bob. It's sad indeed. Labor standards has not kept paced of what was dreamed of. Labor is in the liability side of a company's annual report instead of being in the asset side. Also, gone is the " lifetime job security".
Workers of the World Unite!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suVB3YGIUk0&fe…
Unfortunately that idea was a joke. There's nothing better than capitalism.
Happy Labor Day.
Hi macky – That Mendiola Bridge does get a workout, doesn't it? Yeah, the 6 month contract thing is certainly not good for workers, and in my opinion it is not good for the business either, because the workers are never properly trained!
Hi Dr. Sponk Long – Well, personally, I could never go along with the stuff in that video. I am an unabashed capitalist myself. Of course, workers should be treated fairly, though.
Bob… I'll never forget labor day, 1984. I was in high school and the football team still had "two a day" practices before our first game of the season that week. We were all sweaty and griping about practicing on labor day and the coach said (this was Texas… Picture old redneck coach, accent and all) "what are y'all complainin' about… You're laborin'!"
Happy labor day!!!!
Hi John Miele – Hey, the coach was sure right on that one! 😆 Ha ha….
Hi Bob,I remember once seeing a job advertised for a production worker in Phils,it stated,college educated(to work in a factory!) age 21 to 30,non smoker,non drinker.Imagine that advert in the West,the law suits would be flying left,right and centre,regards Chas.
Just standards for women? No I don't think so. Where in the USA do you see an advert for a female cashier and the age is "18-30". In my opinion any woman over 30 has a 75% less chance of finding a job. Yeah it's great we have a female president which is more than the US can claim, however that's 1 job out of millions.
Hi chas – Yes, I agree that is not fair. Did you know that to pump gas here, a college degree is required by most employers? I find that shocking! 😯
Hi BrSpiritus – I don't look at that as a "male/female" thing, because those same kind of requirements are imposed on either sex. I totally disagree with the practice, but it hits males as much as females in my experience. When it comes to females being treated fairly in the workplace, I don't think that they get any treatment different than the males do. I guess I'd say that they get treated as "unfairly as their male counterparts!"
don't forget the height requirements. "at least 5'3 in height"
i've always thought that if the degree requirements were eliminated in many blue collar jobs that don't necessarily need it, that would be a giant step at solving the income gap & unemployment problems. department store sales reps or cashiers don't need to have a 4 yr business related degree.
its a catch 22 for many of the lower income youths. in order to get into college you need a job, but to get a job …
Hi macky – The one that always gets me is the ads that say one of the requirements is a "pleasing personality." Feyma and I always feel that this is code for something else…. 😯
I have a friend with an MBA, she had a fairly significant middle management position with a (the) prominent Filipino insurance company. She gave that up to become TNT in the US. Over the years she obtained her green card and is no longer under-employed. Hers is just one example I could share which I think illustrates not only the struggle of working people in the Philippines, but also the risks and sacrifices many are willing to take in hopes of betterment, plus the brain drain to the country and economy.
Hi Gary – Very true, Gary… people here make so many sacrifices to improve their lives and such. The thing that is amazing is that many Filipinos make changes that actually make for a worse life for themselves, if it helps their family.
Hi Bob
I will say that for women who dont have a college education it is very difficult to obtain a job after 30, just like finding a a filipino husband when you hit that age. Im not sure if you know that the Philippines has the highest ratio in the world of women working in the whiite collar job market. I believe it is around 57% of that particular workforce. In the U.S. it is around 44%.
Hi Neil – Do you think it is harder for an over-30 undereducated female to get work than a male of the same status? Personally, I think it's about equal between the two. I could be wrong, but that's what I've observed.
Isn't it a shame that on LABOR Day there are so many department stores holding Labor Day sales that the laborers have to work?
Hi Dan Mihaliak – It seems that many holidays, including labor day have become days for backyard barbecues, shopping at the mall, a day at the beach or something like that, with little regard to what the holiday is all about. This holds true both in the States and in the Philippines, and I expect in many other countries as well.
Hi Bob
That is a good question. I think for many over 30 woman if they are unable to work overseas, maybe nanny or maid work is available. I think for the guys it could be construction. I do agree that most people who lack an education and over 30 living in the Philippines, life would be very difficult and you will always be struggling. I have such a friend living in Davao in this situation. In the U.S. and if you lack an education and certain skills (plumbing, oil industry and such) life will be difficult as well. I would hope that Filipinos would understand that part in the U.S. or anywhere in the world. You will have no trouble finding a job in the U.S. but what will the job pay.
As far as I know Labor day is celebrated the first Monday of September compared to May1 is because of communist connections for May 1 labor day.
Hi Neil – I am not a big believer in "getting a job." I am an entrepreneurial person who makes his own opportunities. Of course, I understand that all people are not entrepreneurial, and the circumstances of many people in the Philippines could make such a path difficult. However, these are the thoughts that come to my mind when I read your comment. I have long been a believer that the Internet will bring opportunities for Filipinos if they are willing to use the net for such a purpose. I am not only a believer in it, but I know for a fact that it can work for many people, because I am living this life every day. What is needed is for Filipinos to be trained on how to do things like this.
Yes, I believe that you are correct on the "May 1" thing being so closely tied with the Communist world of yesteryear, and that is the reason that the USA doesn't choose that day to celebrate Labor Day.
What is the current minimum wage in the Philippines? Does that apply
to all regions?
30 yeras ago, I left the Philippines for USA.
I have no regrets and I'm sure this holds true for so many.
I feel sorry for the college educated Filipinos who can't find a job, and
majority of those who are employed can't afford the basic necessities.
I will forever remain loyal to USA .
Hi midwesterner – The minimum wage varies by region, and also most employers do not pay minimum wage (they pay less). Here in Davao, I believe that the minimum wage is between P250 and P300 per day.
it doesn't matter where u work someone's getting screwed for the bottom line ..?
I agree with Bob that filipino employers in general pay below the minimum wage. Here in Marinduque, I pay my employees 20 pesos above the minimum wage. The daily wages also depend on their skill.
common laborer 250
skilled workers, plumber, carpenter, electrician 300 to 350
I get the loyalty and respect for the additional 20 pesos I pay them. I feel I am really helping the local economy with my small business. I have 4 fulltime employees and hire 2 temporary employees if there is an event in my conference center or if we have guests in the beach house. Happy Labor to all.
I am going swimming now! Cheers!
l
Is the workforce in the Philippines being treated fairly? I would say NO to that because if they are, millions of Filipinos wouldn’t be in diaspora.
Hi phil R. – not if you are self-employed! 🙂
Hi David B Katague – Great to hear that you are contributing to the local economy in such a nice way there! I hope you enjoyed your swimming! It's one of my favorite activities too!
Right u r Bob right u r ..
Hi Phil R. – You can do it too! 🙂
Hi Dom – I agree, the treatment of workers here is not what it should be.
Yes u r right Bob , and I have some good ideas so when i get there i can put them to good use ..and see what happens ..Phil R.
Hi phil R. – Good luck with your idea, Phil! I hope it works out great for you!