The growing militancy among workers reflects the severity of the crisis gripping their livelihoods.
CABUYAO, Laguna — Progressive labor groups will have coordinated nationwide protests on Labor Day, denouncing what they describe as worsening economic hardship, imperialist war, and intensifying state repression under the Marcos, Jr. administration.
In an April 27 statement, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), All Workers Unity and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that thousands of workers are expected to take to the streets in Metro Manila and key regions, with the main mobilization set to converge at Mendiola.
The groups said that this year’s Labor Day protests will highlight long-standing demands for a national living wage, urgent price controls on basic goods, and sufficient state subsidies amid a deepening socioeconomic crisis. They will also denounce the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel against Iran which they said further burdens workers through rising global prices and heightened geopolitical tensions.
Simultaneous actions are slated in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, Negros, Cebu, Panay, and Davao, signaling a “broadening and intensifying” wave of workers’ resistance.
In the run-up to May 1, workers from various industries, including manufacturing, semiconductors, garments, food processing, construction, shipping, and business process outsourcing, held coordinated protest actions under the banner of Protestang Bayan (people’s protest). These took the form of breaktime and after-work demonstrations, symbolic protests such as ribbon wearings and black shirt days, and a strike, amplifying calls for immediate economic relief.
KMU chairperson Jerome Adonis said that the growing militancy among workers reflects the severity of the crisis gripping their livelihoods. “The movement of workers is gaining strength because of the crisis. They feel its impact on their livelihoods and families, and the need to fight back.”
KMU cited the simultaneous filing of wage hike petitions in the National Capital Region, Region IV-A, and Central Luzon as proof that workers nationwide are confronting similar economic conditions marked by low wages and soaring prices.
Adonis said that recent labor victories, including a strike by Kowloon restaurant workers, as evidence that collective action can yield gains. He called on workers to unite and mobilize on Labor Day.
KMU criticized the Marcos, Jr. administration for “prioritizing repressive policies over addressing the people’s demands.” It cited crackdowns on urban poor communities under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Safer Cities Initiative, as well as reported human rights violations under the National Action Plan for Unity, Peace, and Development in Negros and other rural areas.
“While the government refuses to heed the people’s demands, it continues to unleash violence against them,” Adonis said.
Labor groups are expected to assemble along España Boulevard before marching toward Mendiola where they will join other labor groups and people’s organizations in marking International Labor Day.
KMU said that the May Day protests will bring workers’ grievances, ranging from low wages and job insecurity to state violence, directly to the seat of power as calls for accountability intensify amid overlapping economic and political crises. (RTS, DAA)
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