Workers storm US embassy to condemn continuing US intervention in the country

Workers led by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement) brought the series of workers’ protest today at the United States (US) Embassy to condemn the continuing US intervention in the economic and political affairs of the country. Likewise, the group condemns the unfailing puppetry of the Arroyo regime to the US government.

The US has led the world to its current financial crisis due to its economic greed, said Wilson Baldonaza, KMU’s secretary-general. “Workers from poor countries such as the Philippines bear the most terrible burden of the crisis as the US government desperately extracts profits from their cheap labor under liberalized economy,” said Baldonaza. The Arroyo government has allowed US multinational corporations to abuse both natural and human resources of the country instead of using them for the workers and people’s welfare in this time of crisis, he furthered.

Likewise, the US government has managed to rally the armed forces of these countries for its relentless wars of aggression and engaged governments to its self-serving joint military exercises. These are all but an attempt to strengthen its political domination of the world and suppress workers and people’s resistance against it, stressed KMU.

“Worse, the Arroyo regime is making its hideous moves and using its most trusted allies in the Lower House to pass the charter change,” continued Baldonaza. According to KMU, certain provisions within the charter change ensure that the US will to continue to have hands in the country’s economy. The group has earlier criticized the 100% foreign ownership of Philippine land and social institutions which the current constitution prohibits.

“By desperately making way for the charter change, the Gloria Arroyo offers a gift to the US government in exchange of its support to her already ailing and unpopular administration,” explained Baldonaza.

The workers will not allow further exploitation of their ranks by the US and the Arroyo administration, stressed KMU. They have vowed to fight against lay-offs, low wages and flexible working arrangements. While doing so, they are also fighting for 125 wage increase, humane working condition and sufficient job opportunities for the country’s 30 million-strong workforce.

They also demand for freedom from US intervention. Only then, according to KMU, can national industrialization, which can give sufficient jobs and living wages for the country’s workforce, take place.

Today’s US Embassy mobilization is a part of the series of workers’ protest and activities which will culminate in the Labor Day celebration next week and the International Solidarity Affair, both spearheaded by KMU.###