Labor to ask Presidentiables of their labor agenda

What’s in store for workers once the dust from the campaign trail has settled?

Labor hopes it can finally hear from the Presidentiables, straight from the candidates themselves.

“Unlike other sectoral groups who are openly campaigning for or against certain candidates, we are willing to listen to all Presidential aspirants objectively so trade unions could vote wisely,” says Ramon Jabar, President of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).

To know of the candidates’ views on labor-only contracting, wage hike proposals, the growing unemployment problem and workers’ rights, the labor group has scheduled a “Workers’ Presidentiable Forum” on March 30 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.

“We’ll never know who shall best serve the interest of the working class if we don’t hear it straight from those who desire to lead this country towards unity, peace and prosperity,” adds Jabar.

The FFW has sent invitations to administration and opposition camps for the forum. “They have ample time to make room for labor in their campaign schedules, unless they feel only business groups deserve to have them as guests,” says Jabar.

More than a month ago Presidential candidates: Sen. Raul Roco, Sen. Ping Lacson and Bro. Eddie Villanueva; presented their platforms of government to big business groups in Makati.

The FFW, one of the biggest and the oldest labor federation in the country still in existence has been traditionally providing a venue for its constituents to hear and interact with candidates who present their respective programs of government.

Some 500 FFW local union leaders across the country are expected troop to the forum to discuss issues and concerns that also include the exchange rate stabilization, debt servicing and the budget deficit, privatization, deregulation and charter change.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW)
March 5, 2004