Magtubo stated that PM members in factories are holding lunch break actions
today in support of the #BlackFriday protest called by groups pushing for lowering
of income taxes. “Factory workers in Metro Manila and the export zones in
Cavite and Cebu, and also members of the Philippine Airlines union PALEA are
participating in the #BlackFriday protest.” Magtubo explained.
PALEA members are holding pickets today at Philippine Airlines offices
at the airport to demand the reinstatement of 117 employees to be laid off on
November 30. Besides opposing the mass layoff, PALEA members are also raising
the call for lowering income taxes.
“Inclusive growth is just a marketing gimmick if it cannot be made
concrete by tax reform benefiting workers. Workers, as fixed income earners
subject to withholding taxes, carry the onerous burden of primarily financing
the coffers of the state but suffer from poor social services that are subject to
political patronage,” Magtubo elaborated.
He challenged presidential candidates to heed the clamor of workers for
progressive taxation and lowering of income taxes. “Mar Roxas’ alibi that tax
reform during the election season is not timely is a lame excuse. If daang
matuwid does not lead to tax reform then it is a deadend for workers,” Magtubo
argued.
PM vowed to push for tax breaks for workers as part of its electoral
platform. The labor partylist group’s “Apat na Dapat” platform includes lowering
of prices, living wages, regular jobs and quality public services. PM insists
public services must be funded from the proceeds of progressive taxation that
shifts the burden from workers and the poor to the rich and employers.
November 27, 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment