Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairperson Jerome Adonis is leading the Philippine workers’ delegation to the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
KMU asserted that the Philippines’ return to the shortlist of countries cited by the Committee on the Application of Standards for violations of trade union rights is itself proof that conditions for Filipino workers are worsening — directly contradicting the Marcos administration’s claims of improvement.
KMU noted that this year’s ILC is convening amid a deepening global economic crisis driven by U.S.-led wars of aggression. According to the United Nations Development Programme, escalating tensions in West Asia could push more than 30 million people into poverty worldwide. Meanwhile, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has projected inflation could reach as high as 4.2 percent in 2026, driving food prices up by 6 percent.
“Dapat talakayin ang karapatang manggagawa sa konteksto ng gera at krisis. Dahil habang tumitindi ang krisis, manggagawa ang sumasalo, ginigipit.” said KMU Chairperson Jerome Adonis.
(“Workers’ rights should be discussed in the context of war and crisis, because as the crisis intensifies, it is the workers who bear the burden and face increasing pressure and exploitation.”)
The group criticized the Marcos administration and the Department of Labor and Employment for failing to address the worsening crisis confronting workers. KMU cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that 2.58 million Filipinos remain jobless even as prices continue to soar. The group also drew attention to deteriorating labor conditions, citing the building collapse in Apalit, Pampanga, which has already claimed the lives of 12 workers as rescue operations continue.
The group stressed that Filipino workers are closely monitoring DOLE and stand ready to resist any policies that continue to prioritize the interests of big business over workers’ welfare.
“To our fellow workers around the world, we urge you to take a closer look at the situation in the Philippines. Stand with us in defending our trade union rights, because an injury to one is an injury to all,” Adonis said.
“Filipino workers continue to suffer under a system that imposes poverty wages, promotes widespread contractualization and informal work, and attacks workers who seek to change these conditions. We call on workers across the world to unite against this rotten system that places profits above workers’ rights and welfare,” Adonis added.
The 114th Session of the ILC runs until June 12, during which the Filipino delegation will raise issues concerning freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining.
