In celebration of Labor Day today, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-National Capital Region (Bayan-NCR), Kilusang Mayo Uno-National Capital Region (KMU-NCR), Anakpawis Partylist and other militant organizations aired its highest salute to the workers all over the country and across the globe. Groups said that is in high time for the working class to seize the worsening crisis of the world capitalist system to further advance socialism, which they said is a society of the workers and oppressed.
Thousand of protesting workers today slammed the Macapagal-Arroyo administration for its continuing negligence in providing relief to the already dire condition of our people. It can be recalled that the Palace made an earlier announcement on Saturday that there will not have pay-hike for Filipino workers this Labor Day.
Labor groups further pushed for its long-drawn demand for a P125 wage increase across-the-board nationwide and for the government to create local employments, secure jobs and better working conditions for Filipinos working here and abroad. They also warned that now is the right time for the government to prepare as worse effects of the global economic crunch will soon be felt in the country.
Finally, groups staged a Motorcade for P125 wage hike from Alabang Public Market to the intersection of Quirino and Taft Avenue in Manila. Before joining thousands of protesters at the Liwasang Bonifacio and US Embassy, Bayan-NCR and MU-NCR marched at the Manila Police District Headquarters at the United Natiions Avenue to serenade NBN-ZTE whistle-blower Engineer Jun Lozada as sympathy to his on-going plight.
Labor leaders from other countries also expressed support for Filipino laborers. Some 50 delegates from 16 countries joined the Labor Day protest as part of the 25th International Solidarity Affair.
