Progressive transport group PISTON has announced plans to push back against the end-of-month franchise consolidation deadline with another transport strike scheduled to begin on April 29 and will lead up to Labor Day on May 1.
“The Marcos regime’s disregard for the long-standing plea of drivers and operators to scrap forced franchise consolidation blatantly jeopardizes our livelihoods,” said PISTON Deputy Secretary General Ruben Baylon.
The franchise consolidation deadline falls on the eve of Labor Day. According to PISTON, this reflects the broader Marcos administration’s anti-worker policies.
“As May 1st approaches, a time when the government should commemorate and recognize the contributions of workers to societal progress, thousands of drivers and operators are at risk of losing their livelihoods due to the worsening transportation system in the country,” added Baylon.
For PISTON, there is enough justification for workers across industries to hold massive protests on Labor Day and the days leading up to it. These include the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), Marcos’ push for charter change, refusal to increase workers’ wages to livable standards, and Marcos’ relentless mendicancy to United States’ economic and military interests.
“Marcos himself reveals that he has no concern for the welfare of the people, especially the workers. Hence, we have every reason to take to the streets, strike, and hold this regime accountable,” concluded Baylon.