In a press conference today in Manila, militant labor center, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) – Metro Manila and Alyansa ng mga Manggagawa Laban sa Kontraktwalisasyon (ALMA Kontraktwal) issued an ‘endo’ or end of contract notice to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte over his government’s failure to end contractualization.
The groups said that the statement of Senior Deputy Executive Secretary on Monday “fully exposed and ended the deceptions of Duterte to the Filipino workers concerning the government’s sham promises to totally ban contractualization.” The issue of contractualization has been the banner campaign promise of Duterte during the presidential election campaign last 2016.
KMU Metro Manila and ALMA Kontraktwal stressed out that for the longest time of Duterte being in power, the administration did nothing for the welfare of working Filipinos for secured and decent jobs, instead put the best interests of local and foreign businesses on top of its priority. Aside from the inaction to end contractual employment, they also slammed Duterte for causing additional burden to the shoulders of the already impoverished and dire condition of Filipino workers.
“It is not the workers who should be suffering endo but President Duterte himself. Being ineffective and inutile in serving for the legitimate issues and demands of the workers and people, Duterte must start packing his things up and be terminated out of the Palace,” said Ed Cubelo, KMU Metro Manila chairperson.
Maristel Garcia, ALMA Konttraktwal spokesperson added, “We have waited and hoped long enough that Duterte will fulfill his promise. This government even had the guts to brag that they are powerless and pointed out that only Congress can stop contractualization through legislation.
We can no longer allow ourselves to be fooled again by this double-dealing and deceitful administration.”
Weekly ‘Black Friday Protests’ set leading to May 1
As indignation to Duterte’s retraction to his prior commitment to end contractualization, Cubelo said that they are set to hold a weekly ‘Black Friday Protest’ leading to their scheduled giant workers rally on May 1 in time for International Labor Day.
On Friday, April 6, KMU and ALMA Kontraktwal will lead a simultaneous lunch time protest actions in the seven satellite offices of the Department of Labor and Employment in Metro Manila including the main office in Intramuros, Manila; CAMANAVA office in Caloocan City; Makati City; Manila Field Office; MUNTAPARLAS office in Las Piñas City; PAPAMAMARISAN office in Pasig City; and Quezon City.
“We call on all contractual workers all over the country to join us in our weekly protests and on May 1 to denounce the Duterte government over its neglect to provide us regular employment. It is high time for the Filipino workers to join hands, unite and march in one direction to demand for a decent, secured and humane jobs for all,” Garcia ended.
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