Discussion on May Day Commemoration and Labor Law

Labor Day is approaching. This holiday originates from the large-scale strike by workers in Chicago, USA, on May 1, 1886, in their fight for an 8-hour workday.

Every time this happens, there are always some economists calling for the abolition of labor laws and the implementation of a completely free employment system. However, we need to recognize that economic theories and scholars' views often carry specific stances. Even if they try to hide their positions, as long as they express opinions, it is inevitable that their tendencies will be exposed.

The views of these economists often lean towards the interests of capitalists or business owners. Their arguments, such as the belief that an 8-hour workday would lead to trade wars or even hot wars, are actually completely incorrect. On the contrary, it is excessive overtime and overproduction that have compelled capitalists to explore overseas markets, triggering the global colonial wars of the 17th to 19th centuries.

Human production can be simply divided into three stages: self-sufficiency, meeting the needs of others, and producing for profit. The third stage, which is the capitalist mode of production, often leads to overproduction that disregards actual demand, ultimately resulting in oversupply. This model is similar to the behavior of blindly chasing short-term profits, neglecting long-term value and sustainable development.

It is worth noting that the transition from the second stage to the third stage is essentially a shift from "human-centered" to "money-centered". Under the capitalist mode of production, humans become tools for achieving profit, rather than the end in themselves. This transformation turns money from a tool for meeting human needs into a dominating force over humanity.

In the face of this dilemma, how should workers respond? One possible solution is to achieve the goal of "ten years of labor, a lifetime of freedom" by reasonably arranging work and life. With the improvement of productivity, it may be possible in the future to shorten this to "one year of labor, a lifetime of freedom."

At the current stage, workers need to view the world more wisely. The exploited parts can be reclaimed through other means. It is important to look at issues from a higher perspective, understand the logic of capital operations, and avoid falling into pointless internal competition.

Finally, whether it is ordinary workers or other groups, everyone should cherish Labor Day, reflect on how to find balance within the existing system, and pursue a fairer and more dignified way of life.