This Bonifacio day: workers demand just wage and better working, living conditions amidst crisis
A note in commemoration of Bonifacio Day
By Kat Ulrike
Warm greetings.
This note is in one with the Filipino folk in its struggle for a just living wage as well as in commemoration of the birth of Andres Bonifacio.
For contrary to the opinions of those who argue against the need for a pay increase, workers have had enough of receiving low wages in the face of increases in the cost of goods and services. They also suffer from the practice of using cheap, compliant labor for wages that are significantly below the cost of living in order to support their employment.
However, authorities turned down their calls as they cling into their narrative: that wages should be low to promote “investments”, and is coupled by crackdowns against unions, as police and military truing take away worker’s capacity to defend and fight for their interests and welfare. Authorities demand “industrial peace” that is, forcing the worker to be subservient to the wishes of a despotic employer, followed by policies such as contractualisation, even deploying state agents in workplaces in the name of “counterinsurgency.”
But despite this, workers cannot stop from asserting the right for organise and demanding just wage. Through a massive display of unity and resistance means a call for justice and thus becomes urgent in the face of growing repression.
Just like Andres Bonifacio who endured hardship and understood a burning concern on the plight of his countryfolk, the laborer who suffered from poverty and repression aspired for national and social freedom. Works like “Pagibig sa Tinubuang Bayan” as well as Bonifacio’s dedication to “join with the people” in struggle reflects the need for renewing one’s love for country and people- and therefore the need to fight if necessary.
Call it sentimental, but looking back on history would suggest that workers should band together and struggle to improve their well-being, much like Bonifacio and the gremios who most joined the Katipunan. The need for a just pay, better working conditions, agrarian reform, and an end to unfair deals and oppressive policies, among other demands, would indicate that the working class is still willing to resist oppression from all quarters with sheer determination.