By Joshua Corcuera
Annually, the first day of May is observed as a tribute to laborers in various parts of the world. From factory workers to land tillers, from office employees to service staff, these people are acknowledged for their immense contribution to inclusive growth and social development. Thus, it is just right to remember their contributions in this particular day dedicated to them. However, it should not end here. We must also remember the struggles that our laborers and the ordinary Filipino worker are currently dealing with.
First, the issue of salaries and wages. This is a constant issue concerning our workforce, and for a good reason. Costs of living are constantly rising; rice, water, electricity, fish and vegetables, and so forth. As a matter of fact, many people are frustrated claiming that everything is rising except for salaries. Tumataas na ang lahat (presyo ng bilihin), sahod na lang hindi. To be fair, the concept of inflation is natural in economics and the cost of goods and services within society would normally increase over the passage of time. However, we must be concerned of the fact that salaries and wages seem to be stagnant. From this fact, it is imperative for authorities to consider a framework as to when minimum wages shall increase due to inflation so that the masses can deal with the constant rise of prices of basic goods.
Second, the issue of secured employment. Another issue that concerns or worries many laborers is the security of tenure. Many workers are employed in positions in which they are uncertain whether or not they would stay for an unforeseeable future. Some workers would be employed only for a few months and would be out of a job. As a consequence, their living is unsustainable and difficult due to the uncertainties of their employment. It would be important to seek legislation addressing this issue to provide certainty and, consequently, comfort to workers who tend to be employed in positions wherein tenure is not guaranteed.
Third, the issue of rising costs of living. As mentioned earlier, salaries and wages seem to be constant for many workers, while the costs of living constantly rise. If salaries and wages cannot be increased by any means that are not detrimental or disastrous to the national economy, then we must try to slow down inflation or, ideally, drop the price of basic goods by increasing the production and assuring the equal allocation of such products to the people. Though this sounds difficult, it is better to try than leaving the ordinary Filipino from suffering due to the constant increase of prices of goods.
Altogether, there are numerous issues that ordinary Filipino workers have to deal with, whether we like it or not. Despite this, it is imperative to take crucial steps to addressing these concerns, one step at a time. In doing so, Filipino workers and laborers in the future would realize a better quality of life and higher living standards than what we are currently experiencing and what we experienced in the past.
