Labor Day 2024
CELEBRATING LABOR DAY 2024
It’s always in the news and at the forefront of politics: Improve worker rights, labor issues, obtain better wages, more reasonable hours, safer working conditions, and not to mention, safer streets to get to and from work. Some of these visions have come true, and some we are still struggling to fight.
For example, we’re still fighting and waiting for the gender wage gap to be eliminated. As of March 2024, women earn 16% less than men on average. Women earn just 84 cents for every dollar a man makes (forbes.com). With more companies asking employees to return to in person work, safer streets has been a continuing battle. Washington, D.C. alone, from sources across the web, has 21 of the most dangerous neighborhoods including the Capitol Hill area. Two of them are near my worksite, I stay aware of my surroundings when I commute. If it is dangerous in the nation’s capital where security forces abound, how much more dangerous is it to work and commute in places that have less security forces?
Notwithstanding the ongoing battles for pay equality, fair treatment, and safety, we celebrate Labor Day… to take a break from work. We need a break from these stressful economic conditions, and are grateful for an extra day to spend time with family and friends.
Many people plan a vacation for this long weekend. Some popular hot travel spots for travel are Las Vegas, New York City, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Cancun, Orlando, Chicago, San Francisco, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. No matter where you go, be cognizant of your environment. Always check the weather and travel advisories. Your hot spot depends on where your heart desires, or should I say, where your children want to go. Popular tourist attractions include places where you feel safe, and able to enjoy the culture. Beaches, museums, outdoor sculptures, art, music, history, beaches, cascading waterfalls, adventurous caverns. Everyone has their own idea of the best way to spend a long weekend.
This year, Labor Day falls on September 2nd and it marks the end of summer and the start of school season for some. The start of the school year in the United States varies by state and school district. Some states have already started their school year at the end of July or first week of August this year. But generally, classes begin at the end of August or beginning of September. Parents are taking advantage of back-to-school clothes and supplies that are on sale to save some money in this outrageously inflated economy. Shoppers are scrounging for deals and even trading with friends and neighbors to fulfill the back to school shopping lists.
Labor Day is rooted in the late 19th century in the United States. There is some uncertainty as to who deserves credit for recognizing the labor movement. Most cite either Peter J. McGuire, a union leader who founded the United Brotherhood of Carpenters in 1881, or Matthew Maguire, a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union. After President Cleveland signed the law creating a national Labor Day, the Paterson Morning Call in New Jersey published an article stating that the souvenir pen should go to Alderman Matthew Maguire, who was an undisputed author of Labor Day as a holiday (dol.gov).
The United States and Canada are the only countries that observe Labor Day, a holiday, on the first Monday of September. This distinguishes them from the rest of the world, such as countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America that observe Labor Day on May 1st.
In the Philippines, Labor Day in Tagalog is called as “Araw ng mga Manggagawa,” (pronounced as “Uh-row nung muhn-guh mung-go-go-wuh”). I know, it’s challenging to pronounce, but trust me, it really means Labor Day. It is celebrated every year on May 1st, giving honor to the hardworking labor force nationwide. It reminds me of the day when my father took time off from work on Labor Day and took us to Bonuan Blue beach, about 25 minutes’ drive away from home, to have a picnic and enjoy the warm water. The Bonuan Blue beach, Dagupan City, Pangasinan is where General Douglas MacArthur landed on January 9, 1945 (philstar.com). Just like what we see in major cities, workers unite in a collective effort in Manila and Malacañang Palace (similar to the White House), expressing their freedom of speech addressing their concerns and advocating for change on issues such as minimum wage and working conditions, and highlighting the challenges faced by citizens. Companies give their employees a day off on Labor Day so they can enjoy the holiday and as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. After all, the Philippines was under American rule for 10 years and enough time for Filipinos to understand more about democracy and freedom.
The sum of faith tells us that we continue to hope for a better future. This Labor Day may worker rights continue to improve, and wages keep up with inflation of goods and services. We will hope that houses may once again be affordable so workers can build and have a place that they can call home. We hope for more reasonable hours, safer working conditions, safer streets, and secure parking lots where workers don’t have to worry about getting shot at or targeted by car-jackers. The more we take care of our workers, the better our future will be. Good working conditions will help us to take care of our family members. Many people are caring for aging parents, and especially we look to guide, protect, and support the nation’s future: our children, and our grandchildren.
Hope you all enjoy your Labor Day holiday. Remember, don’t be complacent. Be always cognizant of your environment. Help others in need. If you see something, say something. Stay well and stay safe!
From the Silent Freedom team, where your Freedom matters the most.
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