Labor group calls on Congress to stop infighting; focus on basic issues like wages, instead

Philippines Graphic
By Philippines Graphic
Living Wage Rally4
Workers rally for the long-demanded wage hike during the Nov. 30 commemoration of Bonifacio Day

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The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) urged Congress to refrain from further engaging in what the labor group called as “political infighting” to address more basic issues like workers’ wages.

“We reiterate our advocacy for a ₱150 wage hike nationwide and urge Congress to prioritize this issue in its legislative agenda. While the ongoing accountability hearings on the Duterte anti-drug war abuses by the QuadCom and incoming impeachment proceedings in the House are important for holding government officials accountable, FFW warns that these proceedings lose their meaning and will not be appreciated, if the urgent needs of workers, such as recovery wage of ₱150, are sidelined due to political infighting,” FFW President Sonny Matula stressed.

“In simple terms, workers will not appreciate hearings on government accountability while the government itself refuses to be accountable in addressing labor’s demand for a wage hike. It seems the House has forgotten the task of passing laws to stem the low wages of workers,” Matula further said.

LABOR BURDENS

The FFW has likewise called on the administration of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address the unnecessary expenses burdening Filipino workers, particularly the imposition of exorbitant stickers and parking fees in government-owned and controlled export processing zones.

“Workers are facing multiple financial challenges, and the government’s decision to impose or increase unnecessary fees only worsens their plight,” said Jun Mendoza Ramirez, FFW Vice President.

Ramirez added: “We strongly protest the planned increase in car sticker fees, which will jump from ₱500 to ₱1,200 in FTI —from December 2024 to December 2025 —representing a 140% increase, while the minimum wage increase is only ₱35, or a mere 5.7% in NCR, with even lower adjustments in the regions. This discrepancy underscores the government’s failure to prioritize the welfare of workers.”

UNFAIR FEES

In government-owned Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) in Taguig, FFW highlights the unfairness of parking fees that workers are forced to pay daily just to report to work. For example, motorcycle parking is charged ₱40, while car parking costs ₱60. The group argues that these fees add further financial strain on workers, many of whom are already struggling with low wages.

FFW is also raising concerns on stickers and parking fees in export processing zones owned and controlled by government. Workers there have called for intervention from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)  and President Ferdinand Marcos due to unfair working conditions and rising costs imposed on them.

“We urge President Marcos, DOLE, EPZA and other concerned agencies to look into the issues faced by workers at FTI and other export zones,” added Ramirez, who is also the union president of the Vishay Philippines Employees Union-FFW.

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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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