Workers urge voters to reject candidates blocking wage hike

Huwag Iboto mga pulitikong ayaw sa P125!

Militant labor groups under the Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine Labor Organizations (ANGLO), an affiliate member of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) declared in its convention today the launching of campaign "HUWAG IBOTO MGA PULITIKONG AYAW SA P125!" as they expressed outrage over moves of Mrs Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's allies in Congress and DOLE Secretary Brion to veto the approval of P125 House Bill 345.

"The recent move of the majority in the House of Representatives through Cong. Crispin 'Boying' Remulla is a great insult to Filipino workers who waited for six years for the approval of the bill. The irresponsible filing of Motion for Reconsideration (MR) is a clear tactic to further derail the approval of the bill until the adjournment of Congress," Wilson Baldonaza, ANGLO-KMU Chairman stated.

"Contrary to Arroyo's boastful claims of economic growth, workers continue to be deprived of substantial wage hike through these pro-capitalist legislators who choose to protect profits at the expense of the labor sector. Arroyo and her allies in Congress are accountable for continuing failure to ensure economic relief for workers," the labor leader stressed.

According to Dennis Maga, Secretary-General of ANGLO-KMU and Spokesperson of Free Ka Bel Movement (FKBM), "If they stand against the workers' clamor for P125 wage hike, the candidates must be ready to face the workers' judgment in the coming elections."

Maga announced that the ANGLO-KMU will launch the massive campaign HUWAG IBOTO MGA PULITIKONG AYAW SA P125! in the factories and communities.

"We challenge the candidates to push for a legislated wage increase both in Congress and Senate to prove that they are worthy of the workers' support. We will continue to fight for P125 wage hike as we also demand the freedom of our ANGLO Chairman Emeritus Ka Crispin Beltran. The Arroyo government repeatedly betrays workers' interests as it blocks the passage of the wage hike bill and prolongs the unjust imprisonment of Ka Bel," Maga concluded.