Despite the government's
decision to move Bonifacio Day to November 27, labor groups, led by the
Nagkaisa labor coalition, pressed forward with their march this morning,
November 30, alongside organizations in the No to War network.
Amidst the intensifying cost
of living crisis, the coalition declared at the Mendiola rally that workers
would never enjoy the government's holiday economics.
Nagkaisa pointed out that,
despite adjustments in daily minimum in various regions, wages still lag
significantly behind the rising cost of living. Likewise, the erosion of
workers' rights, including the freedom to form unions and security of tenure,
remains a critical concern.
Emphasizing the legacy of
Andres Bonifacio, Nagkaisa highlighted that the fight for freedom from colonial
rule was intertwined with the pursuit of a dignified life for all Filipinos.
However, the coalition lamented that post-colonial republics failed to secure
genuine sovereignty, and the freedom from poverty remains elusive.
The coalition called for a
redirection of government priorities to address these pressing concerns rather
than engaging in war preparations or supporting the political agenda of the
same colonial powers who were behind many of these conflicts.
The coalition red flags the
potentially irreversible consequences of forging additional military agreements
beyond the existing pacts with the US, particularly with Japan, and the looming
possibility of similar arrangements with the UK, France, and Australia - all
using China as the boogeyman - for they will only heighten the tensions in the
region.
Nagkaisa warned against the
devastating impact of new wars, citing the peoples suffering, exemplified by
the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Expressing solidarity with war victims globally,
Nagkaisa urged unity in calling for an end to all conflicts. Specifically
addressing the Israel-Palestine situation, the coalition demanded a permanent
ceasefire and an end to what they termed as Israel's campaign of genocide in
Gaza.
While acknowledging the complexity
of this age-old conflict, Nagkaisa believes a ceasefire could pave the way for
de-escalation and create spaces for diplomatic negotiations.
Nagkaisa Labor Coalition
30 November 2023
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