Workers demand rights and freedom, end to wars on Bonifacio Day

 

 

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

 

Kapayapaan Hindi Digmaan! – Network Opposed to War (No to War) Bonifacio Day 2023 Statement

 

The Filipino people have a long and storied history of resistance against oppression. From the Spanish, Americans, the Japanese, and current injustices, Filipinos continue to march, protest, and organize. It is in this spirit that we mass movements and people’s organizations mobilize today. Learning from the example of Andres Bonifacio, we aspire for a Philippines built on freedom, peace, and common prosperity.

 

The Network Opposed to War (No to War), as a grouping of people’s organizations, mass movements, and trade unions, is in the streets today as we celebrate the birthday of Andres Bonifacio. Inspired by the life and struggle of the Supremo, we mobilize today for a society free from violence and oppression. Like the Katipuneros before us, we see that the dream of justice and equality is a desire we Filipinos share with peoples all over the world. From Manila to Gaza, Burma and Kiev, the dream of peace built on justice continues to animate millions.

 

We are adamant in our opposition to all forms of war. It is clear that in times of conflict, it is workers and ordinary people that are harmed and sacrificed. History shows us that while working people bleed, the rich and powerful benefit from war. We have no illusions. Wars today are for the benefit of corporations and the elites that profit from bloodshed.

 

For the Network Opposed to War, it is impossible to address the root causes of poverty and injustice in times of conflict. Rather than being the solution to problems of development, wars instead intensify existing inequalities. As is the experience of women globally, militarization leads to lasting scars not only on the body, but on the psyche as well. For the vast majority that struggle with poverty and precariousness, it is obvious that war is not for our interests.

 

We join all progressive organizations and mobilizations today that stand against poverty and militarism. Peace is the foundation of truly just and prosperous societies. We express our desire to build peace, not cultures and industries for war.

End to wars and poverty highlight workers’ Bonifacio Day protest

 

In the wake of the devastating consequences witnessed in conflicts such as the ongoing disputes between Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, and numerous other smaller conflicts worldwide, the Partido Manggagawa (PM) issues a stern warning: "It is imperative to stop these wars so that focus is redirected to more immediate and pressing concerns faced by the world’s people, particularly the urgent battles against poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis," ," stated Partido Manggagawa Chair Renato Magtubo.

 

Joining the Mendiola rally organized by Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and the Network Opposed to War (No to War) on Bonifacio Day, PM emphasizes the need for secure jobs and increased wages to combat the ripple effects of unemployment and the rising cost of living. In Cebu, a counter march from Plaza Independencia to Colon St., was held by the same groups, including the Cebu chapter of PM.

 

“However, the realization of these aspirations, echoing the Katipunan dreams of ‘kalayaan at kaginhawahan’ remains elusive 160 years after the birth of Gat Andres Bonifacio. This persistence is attributed to anti-worker economic policies, such as cheap labor, endo, and privatization, coupled with the enduring structural flaws of ilustrado governance in the form of trapo politics,” said Magtubo.

 

Addressing the potential outbreak of new conflicts, Magtubo expresses concern over increasing tensions between global superpowers vying for hegemony and expansionism, as highlighted in the analysis of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. The labor group emphasizes the devastating impact on working people, drawing parallels with historical events like the two world wars, scores of civil wars, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine due to Israel's campaign of siege and genocide.

 

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, PM aligns with the Philippines' No to War network, advocating for a permanent ceasefire and an end to Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza. The coalition posits that colonial powers, reminiscent of Bonifacio's era and the Katipunan, persist in maintaining control and exploiting weaker nations through militarism, occupation, and wars.

"The unfinished revolution for complete freedom from colonial powers and the emancipation of the Filipino people from poverty remains the legacy of the Katipunan—a cause we will persistently pursue," concluded Magtubo. 

Partido Manggagawa

30 November 2023

 

Request for coverage: BONIFACIO DAY RALLY OF NAGKAISA LABOR COALITION AND NO TO WAR NETWORK

MEDIA ADVISORY

29 November 2023

Nagkaisa Labor Coalition

Contact: Wilson Fortaleza @ 09452182693

 

Request for coverage

 

NAGKAISA AND NO TO WAR NETWORK

TO HOLD BONIFACIO DAY RALLY

 

The Nagkaisa Labor Coalition and the NO TO WAR network will be holding a Bonifacio Day action in Manila tomorrow, November 30, despite Malacañang moving the holiday to November 27.

 

WHEN: November 30, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM

WHERE: Morayta to Mendiola

 

Aside from workers’ demand for higher wages, freedom to organize and better working conditions, human rights and anti-war groups will also be calling for permanent ceasefire and a stop to genocide in Gaza and to oppose the slide and escalation of other conflicts into new wars, including those in Asia and in the Philippines.

Women workers hail long-delayed victory on violence-free workplace

Women workers picket Senate to demand C190 ratification

Partido Manggagawa (PM) together with NAGKAISA Women picketed the Senate of the Philippines to witness the hearing for the final stage of the ratification of ILO Convention 190. C190 recognizes the right of everyone to a world of work that is free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment.

 

“Matapos ang mahigit dalawang taong pagsusulong ng ratification ng C190, bagama’t long-delayed, ay natutuwa kami na nagbunga na rin ang aming tuloy-tuloy na kampanya para dito,” said PM General Secretary Judy Ann Miranda.

 

Miranda added that after the ratification, PM will then push for necessary laws and policy measures to be put in place to address violence and harassment in the world of work. In the Philippines, one in seven women experience sexual harassment at least once every week, according to a study. Sexual harassment in the workplace is prevalent but underreported because victims fear reprisal.

 

“Kalakhan ng biktima ng sexual harassment ay kababaihan, lalung-lalo na ‘yaong rank-and-file, casuals at job order. Gusto naming makapag-trabaho ang mga manggagawang kababaihan nang walang agam-agam at may dignidad, kaya babantayan namin ang pagpapatupad ng mga kaakibat na batas at polisiya kaugnay ng C190. Makaka-asa ang kapatid naming mga manggagawang kababaihan, maging ang LGBTQI+ community, na hindi magpapabaya ang PM sa usaping ito,” Miranda ended.

Access photos here:  https://www.facebook.com/partidomanggagawa/posts/pfbid0296km3ouqrVzcAbe3DzE9oKEeQZ8o6AxgfNjzxmmcGMpJpyN4facYmbdDjQxtWCaKl

Partido Manggagawa

28 November 2023