Labor and other militant groups in Negros and Panay will hold protest actions today as petitions for a P125 across-the-board increase in the minimum wage were filed before the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board, in addition to the P50 wage hike requested by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

In Bacolod City, the Kilusang Mayo Uno expects 4,000 members to march at 12 noon from Lupit Church to the city public plaza to renew workers’ call for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and demand for P125 daily wage increase.

Ronald Ian Evidente said KMU calls on workers in Negros to continue the revolutionary tradition of workers against exploitation, hunger, and meager wages adding that their protest action is supported by BAYAN, National Federation of Sugarworkers, United Negros Drivers and Operators Center and Confederation for the Unity and Recognition of Government Employees.

Visual artists in Bacolod City also committed support to KMU by painting a huge mural depicting the struggle of workers in Negros island.

Also staging a protest action today is the Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan-Negros whose members will converge at DOLE building at Sto. Tomas Street at 1 p.m. then proceed to Rotonda Plaza in Bacolod City for a program.

Adding its voice to other sectors’ demands for emergency relief and long term solution to the present crisis in the country, MAKABAYAN/NKPD will stress the need for food and job security in its rally today.

Members of the LUMAYA KA and Democratic Association of Labor Organization and its affiliated groups will hold their rally in front of the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City at 1 p.m.

The group said they are supporting TUCP’s proposal for an immediate implementation of P50 wage increase.

ILOILO, CAPIZ, KALIBO PROTESTS

In Iloilo, thousands of protesters led by BAYAN and KMU will assemble in two points in Molo and Jaro Districts before marching to the grounds of the provincial capitol where a rally will be held.

The protesters will demand for a legislated P125 across-the-board wage increase Wenefredo Dubliso, spokesperson of the KMU in Panay said. They will also call on the government to impose stringent controls on the price of rice and other basic commodities, he added.

In Kalibo, Aklan protesters led by Bayan will march in the town's main streets before holding a rally in front of the provincial capitol. A similar protest will also be held in Roxas City in Capiz.

The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board in Western Visayas has started a series of consultation with both labor and employers groups for a possible new round of increase of the daily minimum wage in the region.

The RTWPB conducted consultations in San Jose in Antique on April 28, Roxas City in Capiz (April 29) and Kalibo in Aklan (April 30). The next consultation will be held in Iloilo City on May 6 and in Bacolod City on May 7.

Meanwhile, the Wage Increase Solidarity -Negros filed Tuesday a petition at the regional wage board demanding for a P125 across-the-board daily wage increase in Western Visayas stressing that the P50 wage hike demanded by TUCP is unacceptable.

The group said that RTWPB should act immediately on the demand of the labor groups to mitigate the effects of the spiraling increase in prices of basic commodities.*NAB/NPB

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