Labor

Labor Day 2024: From Marcos' Support to Global Market Rallies - A Rollercoaster of Labor Issues

Marcos vows to support working class, DOLE marks 50 years of Labor Code, and global market rallies boost labor funds. Read on for insights into labor rights and the challenges faced by workers around the world.

Labor Day in 2024 was a mix of promises and protests, starting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowing to continuously support the working class in the Philippines. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Labor Code, highlighting the foundation of workers' rights in the country. Meanwhile, global market rallies boosted labor funds, showcasing the interconnectedness of financial markets with labor outcomes.

Amidst the pledges of support, workers raised prominent labor rights issues, including proposed wage increases, working conditions in extreme heat, and livelihood challenges under the jeepney modernization program. The dedication of the DSWD to protect the working force and combat child labor emphasizes the ongoing battle for worker welfare in the Philippines.

The unseen labor of Black women leaders was also brought to light, shedding a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by this demographic in leadership roles. Workers and activists worldwide marked May Day with calls for greater labor rights, with clashes between protestors and authorities marking the intensity of the struggle for worker empowerment.

In a surprising turn of events, clashes between labor groups and police near the US Embassy on Labor Day resulted in arrests, showcasing the persistence of protests for worker rights. This incident, alongside the global market rallies' impact on labor funds, encapsulates the dynamic landscape of labor issues in 2024.