Heavy monsoon rain did not stop the sisters and volunteers of Daughters of Charity in sharing love, compassion and solidarity with striking workers in Laguna last August 3. The visit was organized by the Church People Workers’ Solidarity.
The first stop of the visit was at the Pepmaco workers’ picketline, workers shared how their health and safety are being disregarded inside the workplace. As they were exposed to hazardous chemicals without protection, many of them experienced skin burns from chemicals. It was also reported that three pregnant women have miscarriage due long working hours and unsafe working condition. Urinary tract infection is also a common illness of workers who need to work for long hours until their relievers come.
In the afternoon, the group also visited the picketline of Nutri Asia workers in front of the City hall who are camping out since June to demand the immediate release of their colleagues who were illegally arrested and detained during the violent dispersal. The workers staged their strike demanding the implementation of the DOLE order to regularize contractual workers and terminate the two manpower agencies which are operating as illegal labor only contractors.
“Indeed, this is modern day slavery.” a heartfelt reflection from one of the volunteers. One of the sisters also shared her realization that the situation of workers is in worsening state and needs to be addressed. They call on to fellow church people to continue their support to the workers. Sister Liza Ruedas, head of JPIC shared and called on her social media account to boycott the products of Pepmaco and Nutri Asia until workers’ demands are not met.
The DC delegation were Sr. Nova Borjal, DC from Santa Isabel College of Manila, Sr.Mater Leal, DC, Sr. Adela Bautista,DC, Sr. Ma.Liza H. Ruedas,DC from Hospicio-Marillac Center, Sr. Bing Gunao, DC and Mark Anthony Salvador from Asilo de San Vicente de Paul and Ms. Lendy Mae Languido.
The DC community brought food packs and comfy towels to more than 170 workers. Meanwhile, CWS are inviting fellow church people to visit the workers on strike in Pepmaco, Nutri Asia and Monde Nissin in Laguna.
