Break silence on contractualization, top presidential bets told

With less than 20 days before the May 10 elections, top presidential candidates are “disturbingly silent” on their plans in addressing the plight of contractual workers, labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno said today.

KMU said an estimated 5 million –and growing – contractual workers have yet to hear from top presidential candidates on how they will solve contractualization upon assuming the highest position in the country.

“We know that it’s very easy for candidates to utter promises for the people during campaign season. But why is it that top presidentiables remain tight-lipped on contractualization? Why is it that they have mentioned not a single promise to contractual workers?” said KMU chairperson Elmer “Bong” Labog.

“Villar, Aquino, Estrada and Teodoro should stop hiding behind platitudes on corruption and poverty. They should commit concrete platform to address job security, which is primarily endangered by contractualization, outsourcing, and other flexible labor schemes.

KMU said contractual workers are gravely denied of their right to security of tenure and right to receive benefits. Over the years, contractualization has spread virally across industries and workplaces with the active promotion of the Arroyo regime.

“Their deafening silence on contractualization is disturbing. Will they continue Arroyo’s penchant for contractual work rather than promote decent jobs? Will they impose new contractualization schemes? These are legitimate questions which workers and employees ask,” Labog said.

KMU noted that Teodoro, administration’s bet, would most likely continue Arroyo’s policy on contractualization, while contractual work surged under the Estrada administration.

“As for Aquino, we are warning him against copying his mother’s promotion of contractual work through the approval of Herrera Law. On the other hand, Villar should prove that if he wants to solve poverty, then he should support the prohibition of contractualization policies,” Labog said.

Labog noted that it is a shame for top presidential bets to remain mum on the issue even as other candidates like Sen. Jamby Madrigal and JC delos Reyes have hinted their positions against? contractualization.

KMU said the demand to stop contractualization is a component of the Labor Electoral Agenda, which it will publicly air in the coming days, most especially during the massive nationwide protests on Labor Day.