By Leslie Ann Aquino
Labor leaders on Wednesday launched what they called as the “Road Map to May 1: The People’s Fighting Demand” and demanded quarantine benefits for workers affected by the enhanced community quarantine.
Among their demands are:
· Paid quarantine leave for workers and hazard pay for workers going to work;
· P10,000 cash assistance to all affected workers;
· More funds and fast track disbursement of cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program and COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program;
· Aid to all families in need; and
· Mass testing with huge coverage
Meanwhile, the Kilusang Mayo Uno is already in discussion with other labor groups on how they can mark Labor Day on May 1 amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“KMU will lead a nationally coordinated protest of different forms,” KMU Chairperson Elmer Labog said in a statement.
“KMU also unites with other trade union centers for common actions, and in solidarity with workers and peoples holding actions on Labor Day all over the world,” he added.
If the lockdown is lifted on April 30, Labog said centralized actual mobilization with social distancing could be achieved.
As this developed, the Department of Labor and Employment said President Duterte will just address the Filipino workers on air and online on Labor Day if the quarantine is already lifted by then.
DOLE spokesman Rolly Francia said the department will offer thanksgiving mass or prayer online to be participated in by officers from their respective offices.
“That will be an occasion to present DOLE's employment and productivity recovery plan and enjoin the cooperation of both labor and employers to successfully implement the plan,” he said.