The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) vowed to continue fighting for a living wage, quality jobs, and decent lives for the coming 2025.
“We cannot help but rue that while 2024 was a very good and highly profitable one for a select few, for the majority of our workers and their families – it has been one of continuing hardships and uphill struggle,” the TUCP said in a statement.
Forbes reported that the collective wealth of the Philippines’ 50 richest reached $80.8 billion in the first quarter of 2024, and it continues to grow as they accumulate more and more wealth.
In contrast, a majority of ordinary working Filipinos continue to grapple with the relentless rise in rice prices and skyrocketing electricity prices eating away at their meager salaries.
The problems are compounded by the Ukraine-Russia war, uncontrolled rampant smuggling, and price manipulation of rice, sugar, pork, and most other food items. The labor group said that the infamous daily “carmageddon” traffic in Metro Manila, now ranked the worst in the world, adds hours of daily agony to workers’ lives.
Gas and diesel prices also continue their relentless ascent, further draining household budgets. The group also said that this year, it fought tooth and nail in Congress for the P150 legislated wage hike bill instead of the token scraps from the regional wage boards, ensuring workers earn enough to cope with rising prices and meet their basic needs.
