SIBU: Regardless of their jobs, renumeration, ranks or status in the working world, the observation of Labour Day — although it’s just one day in a year — is very much appreciated by employees or workers everywhere because it’s a form of recognition for their contributions to their employers and the country as a whole.
It was in the 1800s that the eight-hour workday was started in a number of western countries, and it was almost a hundred years later that May 1 was officially established as Labour Day after international leaders met in Paris in 1891.
This time in Malaysia, Labor Day cannot be celebrated on a grand scale due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19, but there are some gallant efforts by some labour groups and individuals.
As is normal in a free society like ours, Labour Day (despite the official meaning assigned to it by the government and other stakeholders) means different things to different people. Still, despite the varying opinions, they all agree that Labour Day is special.
MUHAMMAD NAJIB MOHD ZULKARNAIN, 29
Public Health Assistant
It is a day to appreciate employees and workers in general. Working for a living is hard but we cannot survive without it. The hardest part I have done while working was wearing personal protection equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this Labour Day, my hope is to get a salary raise because the cost of living has increased. I also wish everyone a Happy Labour Day!
REGINA, 40
Teacher
For me Labour Day, in a simplistic way, is a day off from my hectic work. As a teacher, one of my greatest challenges was teaching online during the movement control order (MCO) period. It was a tough time for everyone and I will never forget it. My hope for this Labour Day is that everyone who earns an honest living would get a decent salary, and may we all be blessed with great things in life.
SOPHIA LIM IAN IAN, 29
Police officer
Observing Labour Day acknowledges the hard work of employees. As a police officer I often work till midnight. Sometimes we got sent on emergency or last-minute operations with the most basic of plans. Anyway, for this the Labour Day, I hope that we will continue to fight and strive for the country, especially for its security and well-being.
EMILY MENDU, 26
Teacher
Well, at least once a year we have a day dedicated to people who labour away to earn their living. My unforgettable work experience must be during the first day that I reported for work. I had to adapt fast to the surrounding conditions. The place is far from home and I had to use a boat to get to my school. Teaching students from various backgrounds is a challenge. A lot of experience is required and one has to be self-motivated. For this Labour Day my hope is that the unemployment rate in the country can be reduced by creating more employment opportunities for the younger generation.
SAWING HENDRY, 26
Civil servant
Collectively, workers constitute a company’s ‘asset’, so it is appropriate that Labour Day reminds both employers and employees to appreciate one another. I hope that employees will be more committed to their jobs give full cooperation to one another to make sure that their organisations succeed in their businesses.
ASMAH TALAP, 48
Civil Servant
This Labour Day I spend time with my family and the public holiday continues right through Hari Raya. Both my husband and I are working people, so we have limited time to spend with our kids. Every holiday is very precious for us. And for us employees, Labour Day makes us feel appreciated.
