(MANILA BULLETIN)

Trabaho Party-list has doubled down on its pro-worker stance and day before the celebration of Labor Day and less than two weeks to go before the conduct of the mid-term elections.

“We know what the workers want and need because we are workers ourselves,” Trabaho Party-list spokesperson, lawyer Mitchell-David Espiritu said in a statement Wednesday, April 30.

In particular, the group promised to legislate and to voice out in the House of Representatives the need for sustainable employment opportunities, equitable wages, and enhanced worker benefits and protections.

Lawyer Johanne Bautista, Ninai Chavez, and kagawad Nelson de Vega are the party-list's first, second, and third nominees, respectively.

According to the party-list, they are a group formed by professionals from different sectors, underpaid workers, informal workers, workers from various industries, entrepreneurs, and citizens experiencing discriminations in gaining access to job opportunities.

They vowed to address the emerging challenges that affect the workers’ health and working protections brought about by climate change and changing times.

As an example, Espiritu cited the lack of strong national regulations that adapt to the unprecedented rise in the country’s heat index levels.

Beyond safety measures, Trabaho Party-list advocates for robust medical benefits and health insurance coverage for workers. This includes access to preventive care, regular health screenings, and comprehensive health insurance plans that cover heat-related illnesses.

“Non-wage benefits and protections are essential to mitigate the financial burdens of medical expenses and to ensure timely medical attention for affected workers,” Espiritu said.