Workers to mark Ka Bel's death anniv with call for P125 wage hike

To comemmorate the fourth death anniversary of labor leader Crispin “Ka Bel” Beltran, workers led by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno will call for the legislation of a P125 across-the-board wage hike nationwide, which the labor leader fought for until his untimely death.

As KMU chairperson and representative – first for Bayan Muna Partylist in 2001 and then for Anakpawis Partylist in 2004 – Beltran fought for a significant wage hike, such as the P125 across-the-board wage hike that workers have been clamoring for.

He also fought for the junking of contractual employment, which is one of the main means being used by capitalists to press down workers' wages and benefits.

“Given the worsening hunger and poverty among workers and the Filipino people, it is most fitting to commemorate Ka Bel's death with protest actions for a significant wage hike and the junking of contractual employment,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.

“Had he been alive today, Ka Bel would condemn the P30 Cost of Living Allowance that was approved recently for Metro Manila workers. He knew that workers need a significant wage hike, not loose change, to cope with the soaring prices of goods and services,” he added.

“He would condemn DOLE Order No. 180-A Series of 2011 which continues to legalize contractual employment while pretending to be against contractualization. He knew that contractual employment is a bane to workers and he worked hard for its eradication,” he said.

In cooperation with the City Government of Manila, KMU will hold a wreath-laying ceremony and a short program in the morning in front of the labor leader's marker in Plaza Miranda.

In the afternoon, workers will hold a program in front of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani in support of the Crispin B. Beltran Research Center's petition for the inclusion of the labor leader into the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.

“We are calling on workers and the poor to emulate Ka Bel, who until his death fought for the working-class and the Filipino people. Ka Bel's advocacies remain relevant today, amidst the worsening hunger and poverty in the country and the government's continued subservience to the US, big capitalists, and landlords,” Soluta said.

“We vow to continue Ka Bel's struggle for the immediate and long-term upliftment of workers and the Filipino people. That is the best way to give honor to this great labor leader and Filipino patriot,” he added.