Aryty Blog

Unlike the US, labor day in the Philippines is celebrated on May 1. It it is an historic day, usually marked by mass demonstration, as Filipino workers protest the inequalities that exist in today’s work environment.   We found a good article with an analysis  and history of how labor day in the Philippines came to be celebrated on May 1.    Kilusang Mayo Uno is possibly the most popular of the unionist organizations and well established, having been around for nearly 30 years.    It is important to remember the struggles of Filipino workers throughout history, and how less than ideal conditions in the Philippines are forcing many of our kababayans to look for better opportunities abroad.   This is unfortunate as it separates Filipinos from their families, and causes ‘brian drain‘ since a good number of our skilled and educated citizens leave the country.  These migrant workers are truly the heroes of the country, bringing in the largest contribution to the Philippines’ GNP.

On a lighter note, because Philippine labor day falls on a Friday this year and labor day is a big National holiday, many Filipinos  will also enjoy a break from work thanks to the long weekend!