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KMU-Cordillera intensifies campaign on P125 wage hike

BAGUIO CITY (Mar. 16) — In pursuit of the demand for a P125 wage increase, the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)–Cordillera led a noise barrage this week at the People’s Park as part of a nationally-coordinated mass action. Government workers likewise heightened their call for a P3,000 across the board wage hike. The mass action also condemned the series of killings of leaders of progressive organizations, such as Bayan Muna.

During the program, Nida Tundagui of KMU-Cordillera said that the demand for a P125 wage hike is long overdue and that the workers are already fed up. Tundagui criticized the Arroyo administration for not heeding the workers’ call for wage increases. Current wages are very low that workers cannot cope with the rising cost of basic commodities, she said. She added that while workers are struggling for better living conditions, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, in collaboration with big company owners like the Cojuangcos, is issuing and implementing anti-labor laws. Tundagui charged the Arroyo administration of conniving with notorious labor oppressors in killing protesting workers as what is happening in Hacienda Luisita.

Cecilia Peta of the Confederation of Unity for the Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE-Cordillera) criticized the continued harassment of government employees and organizers for being active in fighting for their rights and welfare.

Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON-Metro Baguio) secretary general Jerry Diano expressed alarm over the continuing oil price hikes. Diano said that recent oil price increases have caused greater sufferings among the Filipino people. He said that small drivers and jeepney operators carry the burden of the increasing prices of gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene. Diano called for the scrapping of the oil deregulation law that legitimizes the oil cartel of the big oil companies.

Other sectoral spokespersons shared the present situation of the Filipino peasantry and students, and the state of human rights in the region. A noise barrage ended the activity. # Aldwin Quitasol for NORDIS

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