Thoughts on Labor Day

In a few days from today, Apr. 28, 2021, the nation will be celebrating Labor Day which, under existing laws, is one of the ten (10) Legal Holidays mandated in our country. And, as has been the practice most of our labor organizations such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and other similar labor groups under the International Labor Organizations Country Office (ILO), these groups would be clamoring for wage increase. These are groups that safeguard the interests of laborers, and their primary concerns include decent jobs for job seekers and job preservation for the employed. The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), specifically, has earlier advocated for an increase in the minimum wage of workers, and intends to file a petition to this effect. Under existing laws, the different Regional Wage Boards starting from Metro Manila down to the different regions in the country are vested with the authority either to grant or deny petitions for increase in salaries. From reports we gathered however, from both the print, tv and other broadcast media, petitions filed by different labor organizations have already been denied by the Regional Wage Boards, although the latter has instead opted to give subsistence allowances.

Considering that subsistence allowances are merely a percentage of workers’ monthly wages, in such a case employees are deprived of the social amelioration benefits accompanying regular wage increases, which may be due them upon retirement. Be that as it may, the labor groups may have to settle with this arrangement due to the pandemic and its effects upon business establishments. But the question remains: “Is this staying true to the mandate of the government to promote decent wages for every Filipino worker, or mere tolerance and accommodation of these labor groups?”

TRIVIA:

Greetings to our good friend Fortunato “Tato” Mendoza who celebrated his birthday anniversary last Tuesday, April 20. Greetings also to Jojo Amdador of Milaor who is a constant reader of this column. Do have a great day and stay safe. Likewise, greetings to fellow Jaycee Senator Benjie and Jaycerette Letty Guilatco whom this writer has not seen for some time due to the pandemic.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“LIVING WELL AND BEAUTIFULLY AND JUSTLY ARE ALL ONE THING”

- SOCRATES

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“LOVE KINDNESS AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.”

MICAH 6:8