Labor Groups Displeased with Marcos’ First SONA, Policies for Key Issues Lacking

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) conveyed their dismay following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. According to the labor group, the newly-elected president failed to touch on some significant labor issues such as contractualization and wage hikes. Marcos noted during his over-one-hour-long speech that economic recovery would be among the main priorities of his government.

Despite this, he remained “silent” on matters regarding the labor sector. Moreover, the President also refrained from mentioning the alleged extrajudicial killings of workers and trade union leaders and organizers, said the FFW. “Killing and harassment of trade union organizers and leaders especially in Ecozones should be put to a stop,” the labor group added.

Meanwhile, the political party Partido Manggagawa (PM) highlighted the inconsistencies in Marcos’ SONA regarding the economy. PM expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of policies tackling the rising inflation rate. More importantly, the President did not mention any plans on how the government would provide relief for struggling households and communities.

“Neither aid nor wage increase can be expected in the near future to tide workers and their families during these difficult times,” explained PM. “It [economic goals] targeted a 9 percent poverty incidence and upper-middle-income status of the country by the end of his term. But there was no mention if living wage and full employment are going to be addressed to make it happen.”

Additionally, PM scrutinized the rightsizing of the government workforce. The current administration projects that this move will reduce government expenses while improving the efficiency of its operations. Marcos also called on Congress to pass a law implementing the National Government Rightsizing Program during his SONA. “But there was no diet plan for fat bosses in the government who enjoy pork and perks. In short, very silent on corruption,” PM elaborated.

The program will cover 187 government agencies. However, the participation of government workers is essential during the crafting of the legislation, noted the Public Service Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK). “PSLINK maintains its position that there is no genuine rightsizing without the full participation of public sector workers through their unions,” affirmed PSLINK President Annie Enriquez-Geron.