Photo credits to: https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/08/23/470179/overseas-workers-local-jobs-tackled-in-cabinet-meeting/
QUEZON CITY– International Labor Day is celebrated every May 1st around the world. During the 19th century, workers worldwide demanded better working conditions, including 8 hours of work, 8 hours of leisure, and 8 hours of rest, due to unsafe working conditions, long hours of work, low wages, and poverty caused by the Industrial Revolution, particularly in Europe.
The cooperative movement also played a role in the history of International Labor Day. It began in the 19th century as a response to rapid industrialization in Europe, with cooperatives formed to protect workers’ rights and advance their welfare. In Great Britain, a group of tradesmen created a cooperative to sell affordable food items and developed the famous Rochdale Principles. The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers was founded in 1844 and is considered one of the first consumer cooperatives.
Over the years, workers have called for fair and living wages, workplace safety, welfare, and social protection. These calls are part of the Labor Day celebration, which advocates for inclusive economic development and social justice. The cooperative movement shares this call that has spread to other parts of the world.
The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028 emphasizes the need for “deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction1.”
Even after a century, the cooperative movement continues to promote self- reliance and harness people’s power toward economic development and social justice. The Cooperative Development Authority reports that approximately 11,000 cooperatives are operating and reporting, clustered into six categories: Agri-Agra, Marketing, Finance, Human Services, Education and Advocacy, and Public Utilities. These cooperatives provide direct employment to about 400,000 workers and indirectly create millions of jobs.
“In cooperatives, the rights and welfare of workers are highly valued, as Cooperative Enterprise aims to build a better world. This is why we share the same vision, and we also recognize workers as the creators of wealth. We strive to create a better world where workers can enjoy fair treatment and welfare.” Said Noel D. Raboy, Chairperson of the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc.
Happy International Labor Day!
Long Live the Workers!
Long Live the Labor Movement
Long Live the Cooperative Movement!
Contact person:
Edwin A. Bustillos Executive Director
CP # 09178017309
