Workers oppose Labor Day shift

Organized labor threatened yesterday to hold nationwide rallies to protest the government’s action of moving the celebration of Labor Day from May 1 to April 29.

Threatening to go to streets on May 1 are members of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), and the Buklurang Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP).

At Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao denied allegations of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) that the May Day celebrations were moved from May 1 to April 29 to prevent supporters of ousted President Joseph Estrada from holding a rally.

"It’s not accurate to say that we are stopping the celebration on May 1, we are continuing the celebrations on May 1 for practical purposes and for stimulating the economy," he said.

"The President has decided to make it a three-day weekend. We don’t meddle in holidays just for some threats that has been reported or exaggerated. maybe for them but we planned it for a long time."

Except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, holidays falling on the middle of the week are moved to a day before or after a weekend to boost "domestic consumption," Tiglao added.

Describing Malacañang’s decision as ‘a great insult" to Filipino workers, the three big labor unions said workers will no longer find it convenient to join Labor Day activities since May 1 will be a regular working holiday.

TUCP said in a statement the Philippines would be the only country in the world where workers will be reporting for duty on May 1.

"By moving the legal holiday to April 29 instead of May 1, government is actually taking away the significance of the occasion," read a part of the statement.

"The attention to workers and the occasion will substantially be downgraded. It will also have deep repercussions on how workers appreciate the meaning of Labor Day."

TUCP said May 1 is not an ordinary holiday as workers use the day to assert their rights and focus on the problems facing them, as well as to express their grievances to the government.

"During Labor Day, workers and the labor movement renew their commitment to continue the struggle of workers for equity and justice," read a part of the statement.

"It is a time when the whole world pays tribute to the contributions of workers in nation-building and a special occasion when labor and the public are reminded of the inherent rights of workers."

Elmer Labog, KMU secretary general, said KMU and its affiliate unions will lead nationwide rallies on May 1 in Metro Manila and major provinces and cities, along with Filipino workers abroad.

"It is highly offensive that the only occasion highlighting the significant struggle of workers for their rights and welfare was rudely belittled by President Arroyo just to advance her twisted holiday economics," he said.

Mrs. Arroyo fears the nationwide protests against her administration on May 1 for its alleged oppresive and anti-worker policies, he added. –Mayen Jaymalin, Paolo Romero, Sandy Araneta