Joanna Marie O. Santos
April 28, 2023

From the early days of the labor movement to the present, Labor Day has played a significant role in the history of workers’ rights and the struggles for social justice. In the Philippines, the holiday pays tribute to both the contributions of the country’s working-class heroes, and their continuous battles for fair wages, safe working conditions, and other basic rights. Although we commemorate and recognize the hard work of our laborers, let us also not forget the figures in history who have spearheaded and fought for the rights of the working class. By examining their legacies, we can better understand the origins of Labor Day in the Philippines, and throughout the world.

1. Karl Marx

As much as his ideas have been subject to great criticism and debate since the 19th century, the German thinker’s influence on the labor movement remains an important part of his legacy. Marx’s theories on capitalism, labor exploitation, and class struggle provided a powerful framework for labor union leaders and workers alike to organize and demand better conditions and treatment from their employers. Labor activists and leaders both throughout history and up to this day draw on Marx’s ideas to argue for workers’ rights, social justice, and economic equality.

2. Errico Malatesta

Another equally controversial historical figure, Errico Malatesta was both the leading Italian anarchist and labor activist who also played a significant role in the struggle for workers’ rights in the 19th and early 20th century. His ideas on workers’ self-management and a society based on mutual aid and cooperation have not only helped shape the labor movement but also has been a guiding principle for many labor movements and activists throughout the world–yes, even in the Philippines. 

Additionally, his advocacies for direct action and resistance to oppression have also inspired many labor activists to use strikes, boycotts, and demonstrations to demand better conditions and treatment from employers. His ideas continue to influence labor unions and activists up to this day.

3. Matthew Maguire

Being recognized as the Father of Labor Day himself, Matthew Maguire was an American labor activist that played a major role in the creation of Labor Day. A prime advocate for the recognition of workers for their contributions to society, he believed that having a holiday for laborers would provide an opportunity to promote workers’ rights and improve working conditions. His efforts were very much instrumental in the passage of legislation recognizing Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894. 

4. Peter McGuire

Another influential figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter McGuire was an American labor activist who also left a considerable amount of contributions to the creation of Labor Day. He believed that workers should have the right to organize and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions, and proposed the idea for a Labor Day parade in New York City to promote the labor movement and to call attention to the struggles of workers. Both he and Matthew Maguire attended the New York City Labor Day Parade in 1882–the first ever celebration of Labor Day–as a testament to both of their efforts.

5. Isabelo delos Reyes

Filipino writer, labor activist, and social reformer, Isabelo delos Reyes, played a significant role the fight for workers' rights in the Philippines and paved the way for the creation of the country’s Labor Day. Having been one of the founders of the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina (Democratic Workers’ Union) in 1902 along with Herminigildo Cruz. He had successfully established the first labor union in the country and advocated for workers’ rights, having gained ideas from many socialist thinkers during his exile in Spain. Some notable thinkers who have influenced his way of thought include Karl Marx, Errico Malatesta, Francisco Ferrer, and Alejandro Lerroux.

6. Dominador Gomez

Nephew of the renowned Mariano Gomez (famously known as one of the three secular priests of the Gomburza), he was the founding member of the Partido Obrero de Filipinas (Philippine Labor Party) and the successor of Isabelo delos Reyes as the head of the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina (UODF). It was under his leadership that the UODF took more of a vocal approach to fight for workers’ rights, as he not only delivered passionate speeches against American companies in Manila but also led the march alongside 100,000 Filipino workers from Tondo’s Plaza Moriones to Malacanang–an event now known as one of the first protests in the streets of Manila.

The legacy of the figures who have shaped Labor Day as a whole demonstrates the significant of workers’ rights and the ongoing struggle for economic equality. From Karl Marx and his ideas about the exploitation of labor to the activism of Dominador Gomez, the labor movement has made significant contributions to the fight for the rights and dignity of laborers. Through their advocacies and sacrifices, these figures have helped shape the concept of Labor Day–a day to honor the contributions of workers and to call attention to their struggles. Their legacies continue to inspire labor movements and workers’ rights advocates in the country and around the world to push for a fair and just society. Happy Labor Day, everyone!