Robredo seeks ‘concrete action’ on workers’ concerns on Labor Day

VICE President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Labor Day renewed her support for workers’ rights, as she recognized the hard work of those who serve as pillars of the economy in the face of crisis.

Robredo reiterated calls by the workforce to end the long hounding issues of contractual labor in the Philippines and abuse of domestic and migrant workers, among others.

“Maging araw sana ito hindi lamang ng papuri at pasasalamat, kundi pati ng kongkretong aksyon sa mga isyung matagal nang idinadaing ng mga manggagawa (May this day not just be all about praise and acknowledgement, but also concrete action for the long-time demands of workers),” said Robredo.

She also sought additional assistance for workers, especially those displaced because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang kanilang mga karapatan at kapakanan, at sama-sama tayong sumulong sa mas ligtas, mas patas, at mas makataong mundo para sa bawat manggagawa at bawat Pilipino (Together, let us uphold their rights and welfare and move forward to a safer, more just, and more humane world for every worker and every Filipino),” the country’s second highest official said.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, meanwhile, highlighted that honoring the efforts and sacrifices of workers, especially those who watch the front lines, “[requires] more than one day of recognition.”

“This moment requires action. Since they are the ones risking it all, they deserve a greater role in charting our social and economic recovery,” he said.

Velasco assured the House will push for policies that would guarantee the health and safety of workers. These include “[expanding] their health and life insurance, [providing] them [with] protective equipment [and] access to vaccines, and [ensuring] their allowance, sick leave, and hazard pay.”

“We should never forget our essential and frontline workers as we build back better from Covid-19,” he stressed.