Kilusang Mayo Uno enjoined all solons and government leaders who have expressed condolences to Ka Bel to take concrete action that would “truly honor the memory of Ka Bel.”
“The best way to pay respect to Ka Bel is to continue his unfinished business of serving the toiling masses,” said Elmer Labog, KMU Chairperson.
“One of the things Ka Bel would most like to see the fruition of is the legislation of the P125 across-the-board wage hike. Ka Bel was a labor leader for more than 50 years, and fought for the legislated wage increase for ten years.”
Labog dared Gloria Arroyo to put substance in their for-publicity-sake condolences by certifying as urgent Ka Bel’s pending P125 bill.
“The right for a substantial wage hike has been long-delayed for the workers. Ka Bel saw workers who suffer everyday from deteriorating health conditions, deficient housing facilities, and burdensome labor.”
Labog vowed in behalf of all KMU members and allies that they will carry on the fight for a substantial wage hike.
Repeal VAT on oil and power
Labog also asked Malacanang and Congress to enact the repeal of VAT on oil and power, which Ka Bel was supposed to file a bill of had he not died.
“With no substantial wage hike, the spate of price hikes on oil and electricity has further burdened our workers.
“Ka Bel may not have been able to file a bill on the repeal of VAT on oil and power. But we will strengthen our protests to pressure Malacanang and Congress to do this.”
Labog also called on all supporters and admirers of Ka Bel, “Let our mourning translate into our persistence – to arouse, organize, and mobilize the broadest number of workers and people in the fight for their interests and democratic rights.”
