Workers hold noise barrage for Luisita distribution, wage hike

Celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision on the land dispute in Hacienda Luisita, workers led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno held a Metro-wide noise barrage today to press for the distribution of hacienda lands to farmers, a significant wage hike and the junking of contractual employment.

Protests were held afternoon in Sta. Mesa (in front of Puregold), Pasay Rotonda, Litex and Marikina.

KMU said that even as it congratulates the farmers of Hacienda Luisita for the victory, the fight for land and justice in the Cojuangco- and Aquino-owned estate continues, as the president’s family will surely fight back to continue owning the hacienda.

“We support the farmers of Luisita in calling for the immediate, free and unconditional distribution of the hacienda lands to farmers. We will oppose any attempt by the Cojuangco-Aquinos and the Aquino government to push back the farmers’ victory,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.

“The Hacienda Luisita farmers’ victory is an inspiration to workers and to the Filipino masa in fighting for a significant wage hike and the junking of contractualization. Just demands backed-up by militant struggle will surely find their way to victory,” he added.

Citing the soaring prices of basic goods and services, KMU has been calling for a significant wage hike, one form of which is the P125 across-the-board wage hike nationwide which House Bill 375, filed by Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael Mariano, seeks to legislate.

It is also calling for the junking of contractual employment in the country, as contained in the Regular Employment Bill (HB 5110), also filed by the Anakpawis Partylist representative.

Build up for Nov. 30

KMU said the Metro-wide noise barrage is a build-up for a big mobilization on Nov. 30, Andres Bonifacio Day, the 149th birthday of the national hero who hailed from the ranks of workers and poor people.

“We will commemorate Gat Andres Bonifacio’s day by emulating him in fighting for the rights and interests of our fellow working masses. We will call for a significant wage hike, the junking of contractualization, price controls, and the immediate distribution of Luisita lands to farmers,” Soluta said.

“There is no better way to honor Bonifacio than to recognize that his ideals for the country remain unrealized – farmers are still being denied of land and workers are being exploited even more – and to continue his fight for reforms and social change,” he added.