Thousand of workers and other toiling people marched in the scorching heat to mark Labor Day in the Philippines amidst a worsening oil and food crisis bearing down on the economy. The groups marched from different points in Manila then converged at the Liwasang Bonfacio before proceeding to Mendiola Bridge near the Presidential Palace.
The protesters were seeking a P125 wage increase and the control of prices of rice, oil and electricity. The Arroyo government has announced that no wage hike would be forthcoming on May 1 and that workers will have to wait for the decisions of regional wage boards.
“The Arroyo regime has distinguished itself as being anti-worker and anti-people. Even in the midst of this very severe crisis, there is no meaningful relief for the people coming from this administration,” said Bayan chair Carol Araullo.
“Arroyo has failed in good governance as well as the economy. People are tired of empty promises of economic gain. Everyday people are becoming more restless with the failures of the regime. It’s a social volcano waiting to erupt,” she warned.
Bayan blamed Arroyo’s continuing adherence to globalization policies such as liberalization, deregulation and privatization of key sectors of the economy as among the reasons for the worsening economic situation.
Non-wage benefits scored
Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. said that so-called “non-wage benefits” cannot be used as a substitute for meaningful wage increases.
“It’s like using kamote (yams) as a substitute for rice. It just won’t work. Workers demand higher wages because of the worsening crisis. There is no way around that demand. It has to be addressed squarely,” Reyes said.
“Workers need ways to pay for higher gas prices, more expensive rise and bread and escalating power rates. This is best addressed by giving workers a wage hike, thereby increasing their purchasing power. It is actually good for the workers, and also good for the economy because purchasing power is somehow restored,” Reyes said.
“Arroyo has failed in good governance as well as the economy. People are tired of empty promises of economic gain. Everyday people are becoming more restless with the failures of the regime. It’s a social volcano waiting to erupt,” she warned.
Bayan blamed Arroyo’s continuing adherence to globalization policies such as liberalization, deregulation and privatization of key sectors of the economy as among the reasons for the worsening economic situation.
Non-wage benefits scored
Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr. said that so-called “non-wage benefits” cannot be used as a substitute for meaningful wage increases.
“It’s like using kamote (yams) as a substitute for rice. It just won’t work. Workers demand higher wages because of the worsening crisis. There is no way around that demand. It has to be addressed squarely,” Reyes said.
“Workers need ways to pay for higher gas prices, more expensive rise and bread and escalating power rates. This is best addressed by giving workers a wage hike, thereby increasing their purchasing power. It is actually good for the workers, and also good for the economy because purchasing power is somehow restored,” Reyes said.
(article from: bagong alyansang makabayan)
