01/05/2025
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT
On behalf of the Union leadership, I greet all members of the Philippine Daily Inquirer Employees Union (PDIEU) and all workers here and aboard a meaningful celebration of Labor Day 2025.
From the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago to the 1903 workers' march in Manila that the Obrera Democratica de Filipinas organized, Labor Day has served as a reminder to all workers that struggle is a part and parcel of the labor movement.
However, from struggles won, the labor movement's manifold successes against oppression and exploitation reverberate through the decades. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in 1965 that the labor movement was "the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress"[1] for workers and their families.
While labor unions of old had to go on the streets to fight for eight-hour working day, humane wages, right to organize, safe working conditions and job security, the unions of today do their "fighting" during collective bargaining, in labor-management and grievance committees, and before tripartite arbitration, mediation and conciliation bodies. The right to strike, as a last resort to settle labor disputes, remains recognized under national and international laws.
We see the continuing struggle of the labor movement through the demonstrations and protest marches being conducted by labor organizations today to demand living wages, legislated wage hike, improved working conditions and end to harassment of labor-related activities.
In a country where self-rated hunger and poverty remains high, the coming elections is also an opportunity for the struggling workers to scrutinize candidates and vote for those who truly support the labor sector.
These times, the need for solidarity and unity is very important to the survival of the PDIEU and the well-being of its members, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence, evolving working arrangements and the continuing decline of the print newspaper industry.
The generational differences also have an impact in labor organizing, with Generation X, Xennials, Millennials and Zoomers having different views about AI, digitalization, work ethic and work-life balance.
However, armed with knowledge, courage, empathy, gumption, open-mindedness and willingness to compromise, we can face any crisis or challenge. crises, challenges and crossroads. The very act of making a principled stand already liberates the minds and hearts of workers who now know that they have the power in their hands to do what is best for them.
While we enjoy the holiday weekend, as one blogger wrote, "let’s remember that Labor Day is not just a day off; it’s a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication of everyone who keeps our world moving forward."[2]
Mabuhay ang PDIEU! Happy Labor Day!
[1] Retrieved from “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Labor” >https://www.afscme.org/about/history/mlk/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-on-labor
[2] Retrieved from “A Labor Day Celebration: Honoring Our Hardworking Heroes” >https://blog.noticeninja.com/tax-notice-compliance-automation/a-labor-day-celebration-honoring-our-hardworking-heroes
