Labor unions unite for call to end contractualization

DAVAO City — Under the scorching heat of the sun, workers from various unions and progressive organizations marched in the streets here signifying dismay over the failed promises to end contractualization in the country.

Led by progressive labor organizations Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern Mindanao (KMU-SMR) and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggawa (Sentro), the groups reiterate their call to end the contractual scheme among workers in the country as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte under his administration since 2016.

Coming from different group orientations, KMU, and Sentro in Davao region again convened their union members on the 133rd International Labor Day rallying once again for the government’s effort to solve the widespread contractual scheme and other issues in workplaces in the city and other parts of the country.

In an interview, Mercy Abucayon of Sentro said their group has been very hopeful ever since the president wanted to regularize contractual workers. Their group also received regular reports indicating that majority of the workers in the region face poor and unsafe working conditions in their workplaces.

Abucayon said Sentro remains consistent in its call for the government to prioritize the needs and benefits of ordinary workers.

“The president should keep his promise as we are becoming impatient in waiting. We cannot keep waiting knowing that our situation remains the same – poor,” Abucayon said.

The commemoration of Labor Day on Wednesday did not only call for the regularization of workers across the country. KMU-SMR also lambasted the continuing effects of the implementation of martial law in Mindanao that “resulted in widespread human rights violations” among progressive union members.

Both the KMU and Sentro also call for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill currently pending in the House of Representatives.

In a separate interview, KMU-SMR secretary-general Carlo Olalo said they are supporting the efforts of members of Congress who are pro-workers.

“Workers are united in their call for the passage of all pro-workers bill in Congress. This effort is much needed to intensify the worker’s unified stand to end contractualization,” Olalo added. (davaotoday.com)