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International Probers to Look Into Harassment of Workers in Davao?s Banana Plantations

The mission aims to investigate the recent spates of killing and harassment of labor and trade union leaders in the Philippines. Last year, according to the Kilusang Mayo Uno, 31 leaders, members and sympathizers of labor unions were murdered around the country.

By Cheryll D. Fiel
davaotoday.com

DAVAO CITY ? Delegates from several countries arrived in Davao City on Tuesday and are set to investigate this week the alleged harassments by the military of union leaders and members in Southern Mindanao. They would also look into reported violations of workers? rights and welfare in banana plantations.

Some 36 delegates, several of them from other countries, paid a courtesy call to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte early in the day; he assured them that they would be safe in the region, and even gave them his mobile phone number in case they are stopped in military checkpoints in Compostela Valley province, where they are scheduled to do ocular inspections of banana plantations.

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Duterte Urges Congress to Pass Wage-Hike Law, Denounces Abusive Companies

?There could never be any peace if the people are hungry,? Duterte told thousands of workers at Labor Day rally

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By Germelina A. Lacorte
davaotoday.com

DAVAO CITY — An agitated Mayor Rodrigo Duterte took centerstage at the Labor Day rally here today, Monday, and called on Congress to legislate the long-awaited demand by workers for a 125-peso across-the-board wage increase.

?I understand how hard it is for workers to survive at this very difficult time,? Duterte said. ?If companies try to scare us with closures once we increase the workers’ wages, then let them close! If they want to get out of the country, then let them get out!? the mayor said, to the delight of the crowd at the Rizal park composed mostly of workers.

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Wage Hike Justified, Says Ibon; KMU to GMA: Don?t Sabotage Labor Day

Satur appeals for calm on May 1, but directs call to Palace

Dole schedules various Labor Day-related activities

DAVAO CITY (davaotoday.com) — Aside from the spiraling cost of living, increasing labor productivity is another justification for granting a wage hike to the country?s workers, according to independent think-tank Ibon Foundation.

Figures from the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) show that labor productivity, or the contribution of each worker to the local economy, increased in all of the country?s regions, although it decreased by a negligible 1% on the national level.

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