THE General Alliance of Workers Association (Gawa) has reiterated its unequivocal support for the franchise renewal of media giant ABS-CBN, calling on the concerned members of the Lower House to vote in favor of the network.

Wennie Sancho, secretary-general of Gawa, said the media network serves as "the voice of the poor toiling masses."

Sancho said the ordinary workers rely on ABS-CBN for news, public service, entertainment and general information as they perform their daily routine in life.

"We appeal to our legislators to hear the pleadings of the working class, the primary social economic force to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN for the continued employment of more than 11,000 employees of the network amid the economic recession we are facing now," he added.

For the labor group, the approval of the ABS-CBN's franchise will be a concrete realization of the avowed policy of the government that "the state shall afford full protection to labor" and the promotion of social justice to ensure the dignity and welfare of all workers.

Gawa believes that it will also strengthen the freedom of the press, speech and expression, which is the foundation of democracy.

"We appeal that the voice of the workers be given primordial consideration by our legislators," its official added.