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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.
Chibo Tan of the National Federation of Labor Unions said the situation of the city government’s job order and contract of service workers only reflect the system of the current dispensation which implements contractualization, a scheme that does not protect their right to security of tenure.
“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
Citing former Air Force Col. Eduardo Kapunan’s right to “full liberty”, lawyer Lorna Kapunan led her team of lawyers in offering to Branch 98 Rizal Regional Trial Court six exhibits, all but one of which were objected to by the private prosecutors from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers.
Since the time of President Fidel V. Ramos, Filipino retirees have never seen their SSS pension increase. Quirico D. Gapasin, 77, complained of this as he joined a picket in front of the SSS main office in Quezon City. He was just passing by East Avenue, he said, when he chanced upon members of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Piston protesting the impending hike in SSS premiums, amid the little to no improvement in benefits and services.
“The fight for our rights does not stop at this historical triumph. We will join forces with other workers in other factories experiencing the same working conditions and capitalist suppression—especially now that we have once again proven the power of strikes.”
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“The workers who toil every day for Coca Cola to take home billions of profits have been experiencing the worst working conditions under the 99%-Coca-Cola-owned Red System agency.”
“The extent of support given by the local police to the company is alarming especially because fundamental human rights of the workers have been gravely violated,” said Arman Hernando, CTUHR coordinator for documentation.
It is of utmost importance for employees to defend their job security and union security. -- KMU
“No nation can prosper while its population wallow in unemployment and the government’s remedy for the problem is to herd its people and leave them to their fates abroad.” – Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
There are many forms of contractualization in different industries.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to His Eminence, Archbishop Tagle, for showing sympathy to the plight of the country’s workers and support to our calls. His sympathy and support give workers more strength in pushing for a substantial wage hike, regular jobs and respect for labor rights.” – KMU
Read also: Casiño, progressive partylists to voters: Elect candidates supporting workers
“There really is something wrong in a system where workers are being deprived of the salary they deserve while companies are allowed to milk as much profits from their businesses. In the first place, there will be no progress and growth in any economy if not for workers.”
“The effigy showed how workers see Aquino – a snake, a traitor to the Filipino people and a shameless lackey of the US.” – Kilusang Mayo Uno
The KMU said the Aquino government has no intention of providing relief, much less prosperity for workers.
“Aquino was recognized as an ‘influential leader’ because of his rabid support for pro-capitalist and anti-worker policies. Not only has he refused to increase wages by a significant amount, he is trying to cut and freeze wages through the Two-Tiered Wage System.” – KMU
“It appears that the kind of ‘peace’ being promoted by the government is unjust, and is actually opposed to workers' rights and freedoms.” – Center for Trade Union and Human Rights
Like Cesar Muanag, the latest worker to die, the other victims of electrocution in the Philippines’ biggest oil palm plantation were all “casual” employees despite having worked there from two to 12 years.
The two newly-signed labor laws mandating tripartism and compulsory arbitration effectively weaken unions and their power of collective action to bargain for better working conditions.
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