Measly wage hikes will make Labor Day protests bigger – KMU

“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.

According to KMU chairperson Elmer “Bong” Labog, “These increases are a callous insult to workers who have been calling for a substantial wage hike amidst the growing hunger and poverty among their ranks.”

“It is infuriating that while capitalists continue to rake in billions of profits from our hard work, we workers get loose change in return. We will take Aquino to task for this insult on Labor Day,” he added.

The labor center reiterated the study of independent think-tank Ibon Foundation that the P125 across-the-board wage hike amounts to a mere 12% reduction in capitalists’ profits.

“Aquino, by continuing to show his pro-capitalist stance, is adding fuel to workers’ anger at this government. More and more workers are becoming willing to join not only the Labor Day protest but succeeding protests as well,” Labog said.

A Day of Reckoning

KMU has tagged this year’s Labor Day as “A day of reckoning” saying workers will take the Aquino government to task for the widespread and escalating hunger and poverty in the country.

“It’s time that we workers take Aquino to task for his failure to alleviate our plight. We will vent our anger at Aquino for denying us any form of immediate relief from high prices,” Labog said.

“The Filipino workers and people will make Aquino pay for being a faithful servant of the US and a defender of big capitalists and landlords, and for inflicting greater suffering on the majority of society,” he added.