Various groups will hold mass protests and activities leading up to and on Labor Day on Saturday, May 1.
These activities aim to put a spotlight on labor rights issues following the attacks on labor leaders, calls for a more strategic COVID-19 response, and demand for sufficient aid.
Here is a running list of activities:
Online protests
Some protesters will bring the fight online as quarantine restrictions are still being implemented in Metro Manila and other provinces.
A social media rally themed “Pambansang Pagkilos Para sa Ayuda” will be organized by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines on Friday, April 30 at 7 pm.
The protest aims to unite progressive groups, organizations and coalitions across the country to amplify calls to uphold human rights, and the swift distribution of economic aid to laborers.
On May 1, various labor groups will hold an online protest themed #TABAKKLabanSaPalpak (Trabaho, Ayuda, Bakuna, Karapatan, Kasarinlan) at 2 pm.
The participants will include members of Kilusang Mayo Uno, NAGKAISA! Labor Coalition, Pagkakaisa ng Uring Manggagawa (PAGGAWA), Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Defend Job Philippines, and many others.
Mass protests
At 8 am on May 1, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) will have motorcade from ABS CBN in Sgt Esguerra Avenue going to Liwasang Bonifacio.
Meanwhile, labor coalition PAGGAWA will march from the University of Santo Tomas to Mendiola at 9 am to call for an end to mass lay-offs and also for a national recovery program that prioritizes jobs, health care, and workers’ rights. The coalition will be joined by multi-sectoral group Sanlakas and Partido Lakas ng Masa.
Community pantry
Also on Labor Day, a workers’ health pantry will be opened in Mendiola to distribute vitamins, alcohol, face masks, and other health products. The pantry will also accept food donations for interested donors.
The initiative will be led by medical workers from the St. Luke’s Medical Center Employee’s Association (SLMCEA) and commuters and consumers group Pasada.
Webinars
Student alliance SALiGA -CSSP (College of Social Sciences and Philosophy), will hold a webinar “On Neoliberalism” on May 1 at 3 pm. The discussion will tackle the effects of neoliberal policies in the Philippines as well as its effects on the economy, politics, and Filipinos. Those interested to join may sign up in this form.
LABAN PUP, a student political formation in Polytechnic University of the Philippines, will launch a webinar, “Day Off: Usapang Labor,” at 7 pm.
This activity aims to highlight the problems faced by Philippine workers and discuss other underlying issues affected the country’s labor sector. Interested participants may register through this form.
Job fair
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and JobStreet will be having a Virtual Career Fair from May 1 to 3. Those interested can pre-register here.
The City Government of Bogo City in Cebu will also hold a Labor Day Online Job Fair in partnership with Dakbayan sa Bogo through Bogo LITES Center and the DOLE. Another virtual job fair will be spearheaded by DOLE Davao Region. – Rappler.com