THE country’s labor sector wants to have a dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in time for the celebration of Labor Day 2025 on May 1.
In a letter to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the labor groups under the National Wage Coalition asked Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to help facilitate the dialogue.
“As we approach Labor Day 2025, we are writing to respectfully request the good Secretary to facilitate a dialogue between President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and the Philippine labor,” said the National Wage Coalition.
“We believe that an upcoming dialogue with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Labor Day presents a critical opportunity to address issues and demonstrate the government’s commitment to the welfare of Filipino workers,” it added.
They said foremost in the agenda is to discuss the “most pressing issue” of wage hike legislation.
“The rising cost of living and the alarming levels of hunger among Filipinos have underscored the inadequacy of current wage levels to provide a dignified standard of living,” said the labor groups.
The National Wage Coalition said it will also be better if Laguesma would help them in advocating to Marcos Jr. the certification of the proposed P200 daily minimum wage hike bill as urgent.
“This measure is essential to ensure that workers receive fair compensation that reflects the economic realities they face,” said the National Wage Coalition.
The National Wage Coalition is composed of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Nagkaisa! Labor Coalition (NAGKAISA!), and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).
On May 1, the country will celebrate 123rd Labor Day.
