labor day

More than a week before International Labor Day, an alliance of the country’s labor groups bared workers’ demands at a press conference in Quezon City this morning.

“Insulting and infuriating!”

This was how labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno described hikes ranging from P2.00 to P23.00 in workers’ basic wages and allowances in six regions which were approved by the National Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (NTWPB) last April 27.

This year’s Labor Day bears witness to the display of outrage by the Filipino workers and people over the Aquino regime’s refusal to grant a significant wage hike amidst rising prices of basic goods and services, and petroleum products especially.

Workers stormed the country’s regional wage boards (RWBs) today as labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno staged its “National Day of Action Against Regional Wage Boards,” saying the boards are not the government agencies which would give workers a significant wage hike.

“This is the good news that the Filipino workers and people want: a significant wage hike and the junking of the 12% Expanded Value-Added Tax on petroleum products. Anything less won’t quell our protests.”