Labor groups condemn killing of labor organizer; calls for immediate investigation

Philippines Graphic
By Philippines Graphic
Labor leaders dialogue with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma

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The biggest coalition of various trade unions, workers’ associations and labor  alliances in the country condemned the “tragic and senseless killing” of Jude Thaddeus Fernandez, a dedicated labor organizer affiliated with Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

“Ironically, the killing of Fernandez occurred on Sept. 29—the day national trade union leaders held a dialogue with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma in Malacañang Palace—to investigate previous killings, harassment, and red tagging of labor activists,” the NAGKAISA Labor Coalition said in a statement.

Atty. Sonny Matula, chairperson of NAGKAISA Labor Coalition added: “The dialogue was made to prevent these killings from happening again. But during the day of our dialogue, another unionist was tragically killed in the province of Rizal. This chilling coincidence underscores the urgent need for concrete action to address ongoing threats faced by labor organizers and activists who advocate for the rights of workers.”

The labor coalition expressed deep sadness and profound dismay over the tragedy and extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Fernandez.

72nd KILLING VICTIM

According to the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Fernandez was the 72nd victim of labor-related killings since 2016 and the fourth since the International Labor Organization (ILO) high-level tripartite mission arrived in January to call attention to the alarming spate of violence against unionists.

“This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder that we seem to be repeating history and have not learned from our past. An attack on one unionist is an attack on all who strive for the principles of justice, freedom of association, and workers’ rights, the KMU said.

In the Malacañang-held Sept. 29 dialogue with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma on the right to self-organization  and its violations, NAGKAISA—including prominent trade unions such as the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (NACUSIP-UNIPLC), and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)—urged the Marcos administration to take immediate action on killings and trade union rights violations. 

AMEND EO23

NAGKAISA called for the amendment of Executive Order 23 and the transformation of the Inter-Agency on Freedom of Association, as outlined in the same executive order, into a presidential body that includes representatives from both workers and employers.

NAGKAISA further batted for a thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Fernandez.

“We call on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Inter-Agency on Freedom of Association under EO 23 to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into this tragic incident to bring those responsible to justice,” NAGKAISA said.

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Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.

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