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abor Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated every May 1. Labor Day originated from the trade union movement to celebrate economic success and workers.

May Day was born from a series of working-class struggles to gain control of the political economy of industrial rights. The tightening of discipline and an intensification of working hours, low minimum wages and poor working conditions in factories gave birth to the resistance of the working class.

The first strikes among the working class in the United States occurred in 1806 and were carried out by cordwainers, or shoemakers.

Since then, the struggle was continued by other workers in the US to reduce their working hours.

In Indonesia, Labor Day is an opportunity for workers to express their aspirations, such as eradicating the contract system of employment (outsourcing), being paid a decent wage and being given national health insurance, which until now have not been fully met.

Labor Day is always tinged with concerns that the annual mass movement of mobilized workers will lead to unrest. Since the 1999 May Day commemoration, no destructive action has been conducted by workers in the form of 'endangering public order'.

National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo said the police would ensure that any rallies on May Day would run smoothly, and be safe and orderly.

We hope the workers who march and protest do so in an orderly manner and do not interfere with the safety and comfort of other people. Let's create an Indonesian-style May Day full of politeness.

T. Hardi Sujono
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