|
Monday, May 01, 2006
Nalzaro: The laborers’ agony
By Bobby Nalzaro
THERE’S a likely chance that today’s observance of Labor Day by various labor federations and militant organizations will turn into an economic and political protest.
Radical and moderate labor groups are expected to air their demand for wage adjustment, while militants and the political opposition will renew their call for President Arroyo’s resignation, blaming her for our economic woes and sufferings.
Militant groups have vowed to mobilize thousands of their supporters and sympathizers to stage a series of protests in Metro Manila and key cities throughout the country.
Malacañang and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are taking no chances, vowing to quell any attempt of power grab following reports of a coup d’etat to coincide with the holiday.
Staging peaceful protests is a basic right. The Supreme Court has already declared unconstitutional the calibrated pre-emptive response (CPR) policy of the Arroyo administration. I hope authorities and protesters will respect each other, and avoid confrontation that will escalate into violence.
Various organized labor groups will be in the streets today to mark the observance of Labor Day and, at the same time, air their gripes on the country’s current economic condition. We cannot deny the fact that the labor sector is the most affected each time there is an increase in prices of basic commodities.
The recent hikes in prices of petroleum products have triggered the skyrocketing of prices in basic commodities, which has worsened the living condition of every Filipino family, especially those who take home meager salaries.
The government should address this problem by either implementing another wage adjustment through the regional wage board or legislated hike or by giving non-wage benefits to unload the economic burden of organized labor. The working poor should be able to take out loans through the Social Security System and Pag-ibig at very minimum and affordable rates or they should receive tax exemption.
While we acknowledged that it is the obligation of the government to protect the interest of capitalists, for without them our economy will not progress, but it is also the duty of government to protect the organized labor from being exploited.
The government should strike a balance between business and the labor. Companies that are profitable should be obliged to provide their employees with salaries and benefits prescribed under the law. It is a matter of give and take.
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 1, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
