JOB fairs and march rallies marked yesterday’s annual observance of Labor Day in Cebu.
While Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma called on companies to provide employees “a just and fair salary” and “healthy, safe working conditions”, about 3,000 workers trooped to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office to demand a new wage increase.
In a homily delivered in a Labor Day Mass held at the St. Joseph the Workers’ chapel at the Associated Labor Unions (ALU) compound yesterday afternoon, Palma hailed the workers whom he credited for contributing to the country’s economic growth.
While urging labor unions to protect and uphold the interest of workers, Palma also reminded the families of overseas workers to save some of the money sent by their loved ones abroad for their future.
“It’s very sad if you notice that some families waste the money for gambling and other vices,” he said.
The 61-year-old prelate, who delivered his sermon in a mix of Cebuano, English and Ilonggo also said workers should be proud and happy in their work.
He said gasoline boys, farmers and other blue-collar workers can take pride and comfort in their work since it can help send their children to school.
“Let’s be proud of our work. All works are dignified regardless of one’s station in life,” Palma said.
At the ALU compound, Visayan singer Max Surban regaled workers prior to Palma’s Mass.
These workers who belong to 12 labor groups in Cebu marched from the ALU compound to the streets in Colon, downtown Cebu City, to ventilate their sentiments on the state of labor in the country.
The march rally ended in front of the DOLE-7 office in front of the Plaza Independencia in Pier 1 area.
ALU spokesperson Joy Lim said they reiterated their appeal for a P100 wage increase before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Visayas (RTWPB-7). Their petition was filed last April 19.
Last Monday morning, about 500 workers from the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) marched from Fuente Osmeña to Colon Street to call for a P125 wage increase.
Groups like the Freedom from Debt Coalition called for non-wage benefits like health insurance and tax exemptions for workers.
They also called on government to stop the contractualization of workers by ensuring their security of tenure.
Elsewhere, DOLE-7 spokesperson Roy Buenafe said 1,604 applicants were registered in Cebu City Sports Center while 22 persons were hired on the spot for employment in the Middle East in job fairs held at SM City and the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).