KMU's Labor Day wish to gov't: Timely aid distribution to ECQ-affected workers

As the country observes Labor Day on Friday, May 1, militant labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) appealed to the government  to ensure the timely distribution of aid to workers affected by the implementation of enhanced communit quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In a "virtual rally," KMU chairperson Elmer Labog claimed that a huge number of laborers have not received any assistance yet from the government. He did not specify the number of workers.

"Sa ating kabuhayan, dapat matiyak na dumating ang ayuda na kumpleto at nasa takdang panahon. Marami pa tayong kamanggagawa na hindi pa inaabot nitong COVID adjustment measures program, 'yung TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) at AKAP (Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong)," Labog said.

"Gipit na gipit na po ang mamamayan natin at ang mas malaking nagiging casualty ay 'yung bilang ng naaaresto dahil sa munting paglabag sa curfew at paglalabas sa kanilang bahay upang mamalengke," he added.

Labog also underscored that the government should have focused on medical solutions in preventing the spread of the virus and not on mandating the security forces to implement the strict quarantine.

"Hindi po military lockdown ang solusyon sa COVID-19 kung di dapat medical solution ang ating iharap dito," Labog said.

Meanwhile, other militant groups have also observed Labor Day in other parts of the country to voice their labor rights.

Protesters from Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino assembled at Barangay San Isidro in Rodriguez, Rizal this morning.

In Tondo, Manila, members of labor groups also made an appeal to the government to make paid quarantine and hazard pay mandatory. They also urged for mass testing for laborers.

These protest actions were held despite the prohibition of mass gatherings due to the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine. --KBK, GMA News