EDITORIAL - Labor Day

Today marks another celebration to honor the labor sector in the country. As usual, today also brings a golden opportunity for thousands of workers across the country to take to the streets their situation.

In Cebu, it will be a busy day for several labor and militant groups as they ply their usual marching route from the Fuente Osmeña to the downtown area to protest against what the claim as unfair labor practices by many in the business sector.      

Today's celebrations follow the filing of a new petition raising the salaries of the minimum wage earners. However, as to whether the government would act in the labor sector's favor by announcing any benefits for the workers today remains to be seen.   

For decades, the Labor Day celebration in the country has been largely concentrated on the plight of the workers. What would dominate the day are the anti-government street demonstrations, which are a common occurrence across the archipelago.

In other countries, such as those highly developed, Labor Day is being celebrated with enjoyment. Because it's the only day of the year being dedicated to them, those in the labor sector in the First World countries would mark the event with pride knowing the great importance of their role in economic development.

But in the Third World countries, it's a different scenario. In the Philippines, for instance, those in the labor sector would always find Labor Day celebration as a perfect tool to air their grievances against the government.

Of course, we cannot blame the workers because all their concerns are legitimate. And the fact that the government has been remiss in its duty to improve their situation only complicates the problem. 

As we honor the workers' contribution to the country today, we do hope that the government would be able to fulfill its duty by giving the labor sector something worthy to celebrate.