Thousands of workers filled the streets of Manila on Thursday morning, rallying for improved labor conditions and calling on the Marcos administration to deliver meaningful wage increases and end contractual labor schemes.
The mass action began around 6 a.m., with members of various labor groups marching through major roads like España, Nicanor Reyes, and Recto Avenue. The demonstration, spearheaded by the Metro Manila Vendors Alliance, was anchored on a call for a ₱200 daily wage hike.
“Our people are still going hungry. Workers remain trapped in poverty because of low wages, contractual work, and soaring prices,” said alliance organizer Flora Santos in an ABS-CBN News report.
While Mendiola was the planned endpoint of the rally, police barricades halted the marchers at Recto Avenue, where they set up a makeshift stage to voice their concerns through speeches, songs, and performances.
Among the urgent issues raised was the lack of occupational safety standards in sectors like mining and coal power generation. “Many workers face unsafe conditions in power plants and mines. There’s no proper enforcement to ensure their safety during operations,” said Laica Rayel of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice.
The protest came amid a government announcement last April that regional wage boards are currently reassessing minimum wage rates across the country.
