CBCP urges compassion for displaced workers

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) National Secretariat for Social Action Justice & Peace (NASSA) issued a Labor Day message urging the government and business owners to show compassion towards the millions of workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CBCP-NASSA acknowledged the great service and dedication of Filipino workers but highlighted how the pandemic has exacerbated unjust treatment and the inability to effectively address labor issues.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo noted that over two million workers have been displaced within a month, with no guarantee of re-employment after the crisis.

While appreciating government relief efforts, Bagaforo stated that these are temporary solutions and do not resolve fundamental labor problems, citing the depletion of funds for the DOLE's CAMP program.

NASSA/Caritas Philippines supports labor groups' calls for just policies and inclusive compensation packages, including 10,000 pesos or minimum pay monthly during quarantine for informal workers.

They also urged the government and businesses to ensure safety, provide necessary equipment, transportation, shelter, meals, and hazard pay for medical frontliners, including Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars.

Furthermore, the CBCP's social action arm advocated for guaranteed emergency employment assistance for stranded Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).