Secretary-general of the General Alliance of Workers Assn. (GAWA), Wennie Sancho, echoes the Christmas wish of workers’ for a national legislated living wage.
In a press release Sancho lamented that labor is the leading creator of wealth in any society. Transport, agriculture, and nearly all industries will grind to a halt without the creative hands of labor. Workers are the most productive and yet they are the least rewarded in our society.
On behalf of the working class, GAWA consolidated what would be the Christmas wish of the workers amidst the prevailing economic woes and high cost of living. As a labor advocate for more than thirty years Sancho asserts that the workers’ Christmas wish still emphasizes emancipation from hunger and poverty.
To keep their heads above water, it is the Christmas wish of the workers that there should be a national legislated living wage and not minimum wage, indexing it to inflation and the cost of living, in addition to secure jobs and decent working conditions.
For the government to demonstrate its commitment to the workers welfare, the DOLE should enhance inspection and enforcement to include worker’s representative in policy-making bodies.
The workers’ Christmas wish includes food-for-all programs, access to nutritious food, ending hunger and poverty among the poor workers and their families. The wish to break the chains of exploitation and building better lives for the workers should be a priority. Hopefully, the bright lights of this Christmas season shall overcome the darkness of labor oppression.
Furthermore, the spirit of Christmas emphasizes values crucial to workers emancipation by recognizing the dignity of labor as the primary social economic force as enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
In fulfillment of their social responsibility, government and employers are reminded of their obligation to the workers. The Christmas wish of the workers is anchored on the advocacy for living wage, job security, and better social benefits.
Employers should be compassionate, but with all due respect to the honor and dignity of the workers, fostering empathy and understanding. Equality recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of all workers regardless of their status and designation.
The workers’ Christmas wish inspires resiliency, perseverance and optimism for a better future. Let us not forget that the workers are our partners in progress and not merely cost or factors of production.
The spirit of Christmas serves as a powerful catalyst for the workers’ emancipation. The future belongs to those who believe in the power and beauty of their dream. How we wish that this workers’ Christmas wish will become a tangible reality.*
