IN PHOTOS: Protests on Labor Day 2022

Filipino workers and labor groups mounted protests on Labor Day, May 1, to push for labor rights and economic aid, and called for a stop to human rights violations. 

In Metro Manila, groups led by Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) converged along EDSA-Cubao to commence their Labor Day activities, demanding higher wages and protesting against the rising prices of goods and services. 

KMU, Gabriela Women’s Party, Anak Pawis, ACT Teachers, marched to Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to show their support for Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. These groups, which are part of the progressive Makabayan coalition, have earlier expressed their support for the tandem.

Labor groups march to Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City on Labor Day, May 1, to show their support for Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. 📷 Kilusang Mayo Uno pic.twitter.com/ZcmYYHy5a5

— MovePH (@MovePH) May 1, 2022

The group later on united in Araneta Coliseum where they welcomed Robredo and Pangilinan and brought cards bearing their demands for workers.

But the protests didn’t only happen in Metro Manila.

In Baguio City, progressive groups also joined the nationwide Labor Day commemoration. The commemoration was led by workers and urban poor communities as they highlighted the continuing economic crisis made worse by the pandemic and a relentless oil price hike. 

HAPPENING NOW. Progressives in Baguio City join the nationwide Labor Day commemoration. Workers and urban poor communities lead this year's event, underscoring the continuing economic crisis made worse by the pandemic and relentless oil price hike. | via @Weng_De_Vera pic.twitter.com/dawf2IbLzb

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) May 1, 2022

That is why, according to Kilusang Mayo Uno Cordillera spokesperson Mike Cabangon, voters should support candidates that represent the interests of the people. He urged the public to vote for Makabayan senatorial candidates Neri Colmenares and Elmer Labog, who also joined the Labor Day protest in Quezon City.

Kilusang Mayo Uno Cordillera spokesperson Mike Cabangon said union busting continued under the Duterte administration. He cited the case of dismissal of union members in one of the big mines operating in Benguet after the progressive union won the election. | via @Weng_De_Vera pic.twitter.com/5ZY74NOGsu

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) May 1, 2022

In Iloilo, labor groups including All UP Academic Employees Union, Bayan Panay, and Gabriela gathered at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds. 

With only a few days before the high-stakes elections on May 9, the labor day protests also served as an appeal to national candidates to address labor rights issues following the attacks on labor leaders and groups. 

Members of Gabriela Panay-Guimaras also demanded justice for slain Ilonggo activist Jory Porquia, who was shot in his residence on April 30, 2020, while serving as the Coordinator for Bayan Panay’s community kitchen. 

In Iloilo, labor groups gather at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds to advance their call on labor rights and stop human rights violations on Labor Day, May 1. | via @au_rielle pic.twitter.com/TMyGzyojry

— MovePH (@MovePH) May 1, 2022

Meanwhile, in Dumaguete City, fisherfolk held a fluvial protest at the waters off Rizal Boulevard against the proposed 174-hectare Smart City reclamation project.

In a statement, the #NoTo174Dumaguete coalition said that the reclamation project will not uplift the lives of Dumaguete’s workers, but will only benefit the wealthy.

LOOK: Fisherfolk hold a fluvial protest at the waters off Rizal Boulevard against the proposed 174-hectare Smart City reclamation project in Dumaguete City to mark Labor Day today, May 1.

📷 Paul Benzi Sebastian Florendo@rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/bTGS9rOjh8

— Robbin M. Dagle (@RCDagle) May 1, 2022

Various sectors from transport, women, youth, seniors, and LGBTQIA+ also joined the labor day protest.

– Rappler.com