May 1 Labor Rally Demands Wage Hike, Job Security

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By Juliane Judilla

In a press conference held in Iloilo City on April 29, several multi-sectoral groups and labor unions called for a May 1 mobilization and demanded a PHP1,200 daily living wage for workers nationwide.

Representatives from labor groups, government employees, teachers’ unions, health workers, market vendors, and urban poor communities emphasized the urgency of addressing workers’ rights, fair wages, and social justice.

Mario Andon, spokesperson for the United Labor Alliance, said Labor Day is not just a celebration but a reminder of the long history of workers’ struggles.

He stressed the need for unity among labor groups in amplifying calls for better working conditions.

Irma Espinosa of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees Panay urged lawmakers to pass a PHP33,000 entry-level salary for government workers.

Espinosa also called for the regularization of Job Order Contractual employees and the recognition of their right to unionize.

“We are not only fighting for fair wages but also for the rights of our fellow government employees to have job security and the ability to organize for their collective welfare,” she said.

Max Montero of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Region 6 said 93 percent of teachers remain under Salary Grade 3, earning PHP34,000—still below the proposed family living wage of PHP36,000.

Montero urged the government to adjust teacher salaries to reflect the true cost of living.

Ruth Alinsangao of the Alliance of Health Workers Panay highlighted the struggles of health workers who, despite being lauded as heroes during the pandemic, have yet to receive their emergency allowances.

She said many health workers continue to suffer from low pay and inadequate benefits despite their crucial role in public health.

“The government’s failure to fulfill its promises to health workers is a betrayal of those who risked their lives during the pandemic,” Alinsangao said.

Francisco Flores of Piston Panay and Francisca Erfe of the Iloilo Terminal Market Vendors Association raised concerns about the displacement of marginalized sectors.

Erfe said 1,193 vendors and 462 stallholders were displaced due to the rehabilitation of the Iloilo Terminal Super Market under a public-private partnership with SM Prime Holdings.

She criticized government infrastructure and tourism projects that displace the poor without serving their best interests.

Flores echoed her concerns, citing massive livelihood losses from the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and the Local Public Transport Route Plan in Iloilo City.

Maura Abellon of Kadamay Panay questioned why poverty persists despite government promises of economic progress.

“Ngaa naga imol ang mga imol?” she asked.

(Why are the poor still poor?)

She said prices continue to rise while workers’ wages remain low.

Abellon criticized government programs that displace vulnerable communities and fail to improve their quality of life.

Matthew Gonzaga of Anakbayan Panay called for the abolition of the K-12 education program, which he said promotes cheap labor and exploitation.

He argued that the current education system favors corporate interests over equitable learning opportunities.

Rev. Msgr. Marco Sulayao of the Philippine Church People’s Response said the church stands in solidarity with the struggles of the people.

“Hindi hilway ang taong simbahan sa matuod tuod nga kahimtangan sang pumuluyo,” Sulayao said.

(The church is not detached from the true condition of the people.)

He expressed full support for the May 1 labor mobilization and urged the public to participate.

The participating groups issued a unified call for wage hikes, job regularization, improved labor conditions, and full recognition of workers’ rights to organize and bargain.