KMU's Labor Day call: help for workers, not Cha-cha

MANILA, Philippines — Saying Filipinos need economic relief and not Charter change especially at this time, militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) reminded Malacañang to get its priorities straight. KMU particularly pushed for a P125 daily wage increase for workers and a P10,000 financial assistance for those workers who lost their jobs due to the economic crisis. “Charter change will maintain a rank of corrupt officials who shamelessly espouse their self-interests at the expense of the welfare of the people," said KMU secretary-general Wilson Baldonaza. He said the KMU will carry these calls during the traditional "May Day" activities on Labor Day, which includes an annual International Solidarity Affair spearheaded by KMU. Also, Baldonaza urged Filipinos to remain vigilant over the administration’s maneuvers at the House of Representatives to force Charter change. The KMU demands P10,000 financial assistance for six months for workers laid off due to the global financial crisis. Baldonaza said the amount will “help the workers cope with mounting joblessness and its effect to Filipino families." National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) chief Ralph Recto earlier said that there is a need to help the workers financially. The assistance can be extracted from the P104-billion presidential social fund, KMU said. Yet, KMU said it is disappointed that no financial aid has been given to workers. KMU also reiterated its call to legislate a P125 wage increase to help the workers cope with the rising cost of living within Metro Manila and other regions. "The brunt of this crisis on workers is a reason to increase their wages that will ensure their survival amid the crisis," he said. - GMANews.TV