Labor groups took the opportunity this Labor Day to express their calls to the government for higher wages and better labor conditions.
In a report by Boy Gonzales, among the labor groups that joined the protest were Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, and the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).
These groups had a united call: to increase the wages of Filipino workers.
According to KMU labor leader Jerome Adonis, the minimum wage for workers in the private sector should be raised—from the proposed ₱200 legislative wage increase to as much as ₱1,200 per day.
Adonis emphasized that a wage hike is essential due to the continuing rise in the prices of goods.
"Sobrang layo na talaga ng agwat sa pagitan ng mga bilihin at ng sweldo ng mga manggagawa. Deserve ng mga manggagawang Pilipino na mamuhay ng disente," said Adonis.
He also called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to act on their demands:
"Kaya we are urging Bongbong Marcos to certify as urgent bill ang ₱200 at kailangang ding i-certify ang ₱1,200 na dagdag sahod para sa lahat ng manggagawang Pilipino."
Similarly, Ka Leody De Guzman, labor leader of BMP, stressed the need to raise the daily wage of workers to ₱1,500, especially amid rising inflation.
"Hindi happy ang Labor Day, kasi hindi pa sumasagot ang gobyerno sa panawagan nating itaas ang sahod ng mga manggagawa,” said De Guzman.
"Itutuloy natin ang ating laban na dapat ang maging dagdag sa sahod ng mga manggagawang Pilipino ay dapat ₱1,500 — 'yan ang sinabi ni NEDA Secretary noon pang 2018," he added.
De Guzman also emphasized the need for unity among workers in pushing for wage increases, an end to contractualization, and the protection of their right to form unions.
In a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, over 10,000 police officers have been deployed across Metro Manila this Labor Day to ensure safety and order amid various activities and protest actions.
