“We are tired of hearing about so-called improvements in the economy when unemployment is increasing, wages are pressed down, prices are soaring, and social services are decaying and getting scarce. This so-called growth is felt not by the needy poor but by the greedy rich.” – Elmer Labog, Kilusang Mayo Uno
They gather to discuss their experiences and exchange “strategies that work” in upholding their freedom to organize, “amid intensified labor exploitation on a global scale.”
As prices of basic products and services continue to increase, national labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno asked the public to participate in the “Protestang Bayan vs. Nagtataasang Presyo at Demolisyon.” Holding of protests is the only way Filipinos can have the chance of preventing price hikes and demolition of poor communities, Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general, said in a statement.
"The continued use of violence against the workers of Pentagon and collusion between the Pentagon management, the police, and the Department of Labor and Employment is infuriating." _ KMU By MARYA SALAMAT Bulatlat.com MANILA -- The progressive labor center Kilusang...
They (the driver and the command inside the factory premises) thought the workers are standing by the side of the street outside company gate.
Read also: KMU condemns Pentagon, police violence vs workers
For various consumer groups, it is not a question of amending the agreement but scrapping it altogether.
“There are more than enough grounds for the rates to go down if regulators will really disallow the charging of questionable items such as the income taxes of the two water concessionaires.” – Renato Reyes, Bayan
“True friends do not take advantage of your weakness, violate your laws, dump toxic wastes on your territory and meddle in your internal affairs.” – Renato Reyes, Bayan
"The US government has no intention of getting directly involved in the Philippines' territorial disputes… It is time that the Aquino government acknowledges this truth, instead of trying to spin the tale of the US as benevolent protectors."
“Now, with the excuse that it has not completed its dam rehabilitation, Philex once again wants to extend its operations. The real reason behind this is to rake in billions of pesos from their operation while subjecting our people to possibly another flooding and disaster.” – Kalikasan PNE
“The solid support showed by the church people, farmers and professionals shows the anti-mining sentiments of the people of Nueva Vizcaya.”
“The Aquino government has kept on trying to implement this fare hike but has failed to actually implement one. It knows how badly this will affect the public and how this will make the public really angry at the government.”
The picketing workers asked: why did the labor department issue an injunction order against their supposed strike, when the company has locked them out in the first place? The workers said they are not on strike but in protest of their illegal lockout. Read also:Pentagon steel workers decry 'treachery' of PTGWO leaders ;
KMU slams arrest of labor leader in Pentagon skirmish
Their rights ignored by the management, the labor federation their union supposedly belongs to, and the Labor department, the workers of Pentagon Steel had no other option but to fight for their rights.
“We demand justice for the victims of Erdogan’s fascist rule. The Turkish government must immediately release those arrested in protests and lift the ban on mass meetings and protest actions."
Joint forces of the Philippine Army and the PNP have reportedly tried to dismantle the barricade in serving the TRO against the local leaders, but they have been foiled by “the strong and organized resistance of the people.”
Aside from the Office of the Ombudsman, the complainants are also set to prod Congress to conduct an inquiry into the recent elections.
“We condemn the collusion of the Aquino government and Big 3 Oil cartel in its manipulated and cartelized oil price movements and in its extreme exploitation of drivers and the citizens.” – Piston
This year, private water concessionaires are up for ‘rate rebasing,’ meaning they would substantially increase water rates to pass on the costs of their planned projects, some of which would not be implemented but will be charged to consumers anyway. This is aside from the usual rate increases.
Read also: Metro Manila experience: Poor water service, unjustified rate hike petition
“Aquino is so desperate in selling his illusion of economic growth that he even resorts to absurd excuses just to cover up the worsening hunger and poverty that he has brought upon us workers and the Filipino people.” – KMU
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