ILOILO City – This city saw a passionate demonstration of worker solidarity as Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Panay, along with other progressive groups, held a rally yesterday to commemorate International Labor Day. The rally aimed to draw attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Filipino workers and to honor the historical significance of Labor Day.
Participants gathered at 1 p.m. in front of the University of the Philippines Visayas-Iloilo City campus for a brief program. They then marched to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, culminating the event with a rally that underscored the demands for workers’ rights and improved working conditions.
Elmer Forro, spokesperson for BAYAN Panay, highlighted the struggles of workers in the current economic climate.
“The situation of workers remains deplorable due to extremely low wages, widespread contractualization, and the failure to provide appropriate benefits,” Forro stated, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in labor policies.
The rally also served as a reminder of the roots of Labor Day. Forro recalled the historic significance of May 1, 1903 when Filipino workers fought for the recognition of Labor Day as a national holiday.
“We are reminded of the lessons of May 1, 1903 when workers engaged in militant action and solidarity to fight for their rights, which led to the passing of the bill that recognized May 1 as a national holiday,” he said.
Rallyists were vocal in their call for greater protections for workers, including better wages, job security, and the freedom of association.
Forro further stressed the importance of defending the right of workers to form unions, stating: “It is crucial that we continue to defend the freedom of association for workers and ensure their right to form unions.”
As the rally ended, organizers and participants alike urged the government to take immediate action to address the pressing issues faced by the labor sector, reinforcing the collective call for a more just and fair society for all Filipino workers./PN
