Labor groups press P150 wage hike

Nagkaisa chairman and Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula

ORGANIZED labor groups will march today, Labor Day, to Morayta Street in Manila to dramatize their call for a P150 legislated wage increase and a dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The labor groups, composed of trade union centers, labor federations and workers' organizations in both the private and public sectors, will march under the National Wage Coalition (NWC) banner.

Leading them are the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa).

"Passing the P150 wage recovery increase is only the first yet pivotal step that the Philippines should take to actualize living wages embodied in proposed legislation for a P750 daily wage increase for private sector workers and a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL) anchored on the P33,000 monthly minimum wage for public sector workers," the NWC said in a statement.

Officials from the Department of Labor and Employment will be at a meeting with the labor representatives in Malacañang, but there is no guarantee that the President will join them.

The Palace program will be from 8 a.m. to noon. The NWC said they will also hold a program in Morayta early in the morning of May 1.

The NWC stressed the need for a dialogue with the President, which is traditionally done every Labor Day celebration.

Aside from the wage hike, the labor groups want to discuss challenges regarding job security due to rampant contracting practices and the need for enhanced freedom of association.

"The lack of dialogue with the President has been a concerning pattern that can no longer be overlooked," said Sonny Matula, Nagkaisa chairman and Federation of Free Workers president. "As we observe Labor Day, it is paramount that these significant concerns are addressed directly with President Marcos to ensure the effective representation and advancement of workers' rights and welfare."

The NWC also called on Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to facilitate a meeting with the President. - By William B. Depasupil

NATIONAL WAGE COALITION LABOR DAY MOBILIZATION: DAGDAG SAHOD ISABATAS! 150 PATAAS!

On Wednesday, 01 May 2024—Labor Day—thousands of workers from various Philippine trade union centers, labor federations, and workers' organizations will march together in solidarity to Morayta under the banner of the National Wage Coalition to send a strong message to Batasan and Malacañang: DAGDAG SAHOD ISABATAS! PHP 150 PATAAS!

Passing the ₱150 wage recovery increase is only the first yet pivotal step that the Philippines should take to actualize living wages embodied in proposed legislation for a ₱750 daily wage increase for private sector workers and a new Salary Standardization Law (SSL) anchored on the ₱33,000 monthly minimum wage for public sector workers. 

Various trade union centers, labor federations, and workers’ organizations in both the private and public sector led by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), and Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa!) united in solidarity as the NATIONAL WAGE COALITION.

SAMA-SAMA TAYONG MAGMARTSA SA MAYO UNO!

SAMA-SAMA NATING ITAAS ANG SAHOD MO!

#labordayph2024

#MayoUno2024

NAGKAISA Labor Coalition Welcomes the Surfacing of Two Activists

In an inspiring turn of events on Holy Thursday, the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition expresses profound relief and joy over the release of labor and environmental activists Francisco "Eco" Dangla and Axielle "Jak" Tiong.

The unexpected surfacing of Eco and Jak, who had been previously reported as abducted under alarming circumstances, serves not only as a beacon of hope for the advocacy community but also as a poignant reminder of the state's indispensable obligation to protect the life and liberty of every citizen, as guaranteed by our Constitution.

Although details regarding their return to safety remain limited, the circulation of an image showing the two activists conversing with Archbishop Socrates Villegas symbolizes their current safety under the aegis of the Church. This positive outcome, however, leaves many unanswered questions, thereby underscoring the urgency for a transparent and exhaustive inquiry into their abduction and the broader spectrum of assaults on activists.

The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, and organizations that have stood in solidarity for the cause of Eco and Jak's freedom and safety. 

This incident starkly illuminates the formidable challenges that labor and environmental activists continue to confront, frequently risking their personal safety. It propels us towards a renewed commitment to upholding trade union and human rights and safeguarding those who courageously advocate for truth and justice.

Nagkaisa Advocates for Wage Hike, Urging Prioritization of Living Wage; Questions NEDA's Stance

As the nation commemorates the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition stands resolute in its call for a PHP100 wage increase, aligning with the constitutional mandate for a living wage, and challenging the National Economic and Development Authority's (NEDA) cautious stance.

Nagkaisa asserts the necessity of a wage hike in consonance with the constitutional provision for a living wage, despite NEDA's concerns regarding potential inflationary pressures and impacts on economic growth.

Moreover, Nagkaisa raises pertinent questions about NEDA's advocacy for charter change (Cha-Cha) as a mechanism to enhance competitiveness by removing perceived "unnecessary" restrictions. This stance diverges from the immediate needs of Filipino workers and undermines the urgency of addressing prevailing economic disparities.

Nagkaisa emphasizes the distraction posed by the ongoing debate on charter change, underscoring the imperative for tangible actions to alleviate the challenges faced by the labor force.

While NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan champions Cha-Cha as a strategy to bolster competitiveness, Nagkaisa notes the absence of such reforms in NEDA's Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which Balisacan spearheaded. Furthermore, Nagkaisa expresses disappointment in NEDA's alignment with employer groups like ECOP and PCCI in consistently opposing wage hike proposals.

This discrepancy prompts scrutiny into the prioritization of policies with potential long-term implications over immediate measures like wage increases, which directly impact the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.

Drawing attention to the successful PHP25 wage increase in 1989 and its positive economic ramifications, Nagkaisa underscores the compatibility of substantial wage hikes with economic growth and stability.

Additionally, Nagkaisa highlights the necessity for equitable wage adjustments across all regions, emphasizing the Senate-approved PHP100 increase as a step forward but insufficient in meeting the living wage requirements for Filipino families.

Nagkaisa reiterates its concern regarding NEDA's endorsement of Cha-Cha, urging a focus on upholding the 1987 Constitution's mandate for social justice and living wages.