The Curious Case of Labour Day

Labour Day holds various meanings for Malaysian workers. Some take it as a day not worth noting; others as a soothing holiday away from work, but few Malaysians take Labour Day as a day of meaning. Nevertheless, Labour Day in certain parts of the world represents a much greater movement. It stands as an emblem against oppression and sometimes as a linchpin in the beginning of an era free of repression.

 

Why Malaysians Take Labour Day For Granted

Since Malaysia’s transition to an independent, sovereign state, justice towards workers has never been neglected. For the 400 years under foreign rule, we had lived under a great despotism. However, we persevered and finally emerged as the nation we are today. For the entirety of Malaysia’s subjection, the meaning of social justice had been unbeknownst to our workers. It was not until 1957 when we were granted independence by the British Empire had we used the opportunity to bring back the justice we were due for almost half a millenium.

Today’s post-Merdeka generation of workers has not undergone the harsh and crude working conditions of the industrial revolution. As a result, we do not regard Labour Day with the same sentimental value as people in industrialised countries. Hence, we are not inclined to celebrate Labour Day with passion and affection to the point of holding parades or marches.

A New Generation Enterprise

The world as we know it has undergone major changes due to the ever-rapid growth of technological advancement. From what I could gather, knowledge of the past is used in the present for the future. Now a new generation of entrepreneurs has risen from the ashes of traditional business and corporations. This new generation may very well change the very foundation of what forms traditional businesses and corporations.

I would like to emphasize the word ‘new’ – Most of which are built by small aspiring Entrepreneurs. As we all know, starting a company is no small feat. A lot of small companies are unable to meet up to expectations and ultimately fail mid-way. The struggle of innumerable competitors in the market, little demand, and expensive office rent are few of the many challenges startup companies have to overcome, some of which stay unwavered while most do not; close to 90% of startup companies fail to make it. In the end, those who are able to endure this ordeal undoubtedly come out stronger.

Having said that, this new generation of entrepreneurs is changing the very way of business and corporations. Where offices used to establish designated working hours, we now see a growing number of employees working from home or freelancing out of co-working spaces. This way of working may seem unsettling. Yet these new business and corporations are booming. Personally, I think that after years of seeing the same quintessence of business and corporations, we really need something new that has the potential to improve the current state of our nation.

A new generation company may not employ a large staff. Increasingly, they hire freelancers for subject-based projects. Should a new problem arise, they can hire someone to solve them. Companies are also downsizing their designated workplaces; instead, they work online at home and hire meeting places for sessions with clients or board of directors. This may seem costly but the truth is they are not. By doing this, they are able to redirect their expenses to other resources, e.g. increasing their capital or giving raise to the little staff they have.

However, there is a complication that must not be ignored. Because of the level of freedom given to the staff, their passion and devotion towards the company may be compromised, which is an imperative factor for the company to develop, or in some cases, just to survive.

A Labour Day – for No Labours

As the name would suggest, Labour Day is and always has been a day of appreciation towards labourers. Labourers once worked under a harsh and bitter environment (physically and mentally) that spanned from the foundation of civilization in 3100 BC, to the rise of democracy circa 1900 AD. Today, we have evolved towards a more conducive and stress-free workplace.

Hence, it is safe to say that an era of justice has replaced the era of repression and coercion. Having said that, the only reason we celebrate the Labour Day in my point of view, is to commemorate and honor the social and economic achievements of workers. Furthermore, the day serves as a reminder of how crucial of a part labourers play in the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.