Unheard Cries in Human Labor

(a philosophical reflection about Carl Marx concept of human labor)

To have a concrete example in my philosophical reflection about Carl Marx philosophy
about man and labor, I tried my best to have a conversation with one of the laborers in the buy
and sell business of my uncle in Tacurong. At first he was very hesitant to be the subject of my
reflection. He said he would be ashamed if I write something about his work. We, then, settled
that at least I would not reveal his name. With few questions answered, I seem to understand the
point of Marx work on class struggle especially in his discussion about labor. My first question
to the laborer is: How is your work? He answered me in a chuckling voice: Okay lang ah
tama lang mabuhi ta sa pang-adlaw-adlaw. Such words seem to be usual to me before for I
have heard it a lot of times from different people. However, this time it was different. I thought
that maybe it was because I really explained to him what the reflection would be about. Because
of that, I realized I have been answered by a person with full sincerity; he answered me with
words that seem to come from a very deep portion of his heart. The feeling I had was very
awkward. But then I uttered the second question without being much aware of it. I asked: Ti kol,
nasadyahan ka man bisan papano sa ubra mo diri? It took him a few seconds before he could
answer. Finally he said while laughing sarcastically: Ti maano ka abi, malipay ka na lang gid
eh amo na ina ang ubra mo mo. I went back home with a heavy heart. I cannot imagine that
with a couple of statements I have received as answers to my questions, I would be moved to
think more deeply into what human labor really is according to Marx.
Carl Marx believed that the work of a human person must be the embodiment of a
person. In my understanding, mans work somewhat shows his imprint on it. His work carries
along with it that noble act of being a finished product by that certain person. That work is
something that the worker is proud of. This is his ideal concept. However, it is the opposite of
what is happening in some cases in reality.
Let us, then, have the reality check. Is everyone happy in his/her work? Does every
worker receive due compensation for the efforts s/he exerted? Is the worker the one who benefits
his work? These are just some of the enigmatic and divisive questions when we talk about human
labor in the status quo.
I realized that given the chance, I dont think one will choose a work such as that of a
laborer. I believe every person will choose a work that gives honour, prestige or at least justice in
ones life. Given the chance, one will most probably refuse to work in something that is very
diminutive in his part. I cannot help but to compare them to ants. Yes, I compare them to these
tiny little creatures who work all day long tirelessly to have something to eat. And yes, it is the
same with ants that they also, in way, have lost rationality as they work. Ants are not rational but
humans are. I imagine the laborer carrying one sack of rice or corn. Does this reflect his
capabilities? Are we to say that that certain persons ability is only brute strength? The point I
am making is that the laborer, a human person, cannot maximize his being a human person in
this kind of work. Does he get paid well? I dont think so. They get paid to how many sacks they
can load and unload. And what if he gets sick and is not able to work? One can just imagine how
difficult the situation is for these kind of workers. Is there justice in these? Who can we blame?
The system we have in reality shows that there is the capitalist and the workers. Marx
believed that as the capitalist get richer, the opposite happen to the workers. The more the worker
exerts his efforts to his work, the more he becomes poorer. What is worse is that the worker
becomes detached from his work, himself and even from the other persons around him especially
his co-workers.
Looking into the situation of the laborer, as he works I notice that at least he somehow
has the relationship among his fellow laborers. The problem I see is that for the very tiring work
he does every day, the pay he receives is just enough for a hand-tomouth existence and
nothing more.
In the context of the Philippines, I really appreciate the efforts of the senators as they
passed the Kasambahay Law. This law provides social security to house helpers or maids. I
think this is a significant step in the change that must happen within the system of society. My
hope, and the hope of all workers especially the likes of laborers is that a law such as the
Kasambahay law must be passed for the other workers as well. Maybe there will never be that
equality in human labor for that is somehow impossible. But we hope and pray for a more just
system that will run within society in the aspect of human labor. I hope that there will come a
time that the cries of oppressed workers in this world would be heard and given attention.