Negros Island Workers To Mark Labor Day With Calls for Wage Hike, Job Security and Labor Organizer’s Release

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Labor groups in Negros called for a legislated wage increase, job security and stronger protection of workers’ rights ahead of Labor Day, saying Filipino workers continue to bear the brunt of rising prices, contractualization and state harassment. They also called for the release of detained labor organizer Julie Ann Balora, who was arrested without warrant last week.

At a press conference led by Kilusang Mayo Uno-Negros and BAYAN Negros, workers’ groups urged the government to enact a 1,200-peso minimum wage and address what they described as deep inequality in the country’s labor system. They said current national and regional wages remain “poverty wages” as inflation, fuel prices and utility costs continue to strain workers and their families.

Noli Rosales, spokesperson of KMU-Negros, said workers are being forced to survive on inadequate wages while continuing to sustain the economy.

“Workers are begging, and their concerns are not being answered, even though they are the ones strengthening the economy,” Rosales said in Hiligaynon. “There should be balance between employer and employee so both sides can progress. But right now, farmers and workers are being neglected.”

The groups said inflation reached 4.2% in March 2026, driven partly by oil price hikes, worsening the cost of food, transportation and daily necessities. Transport groups also raised concerns over fuel costs affecting public utility jeepney drivers, who they said bring home little income after a day of work.

Agricultural workers, particularly in sugar plantations, also face worsening conditions, KMU said. The group said low weekly incomes, reduced benefits and the impact of sugar importation policies have deepened the hardship of sugar workers.

KMU also criticized the continued use of short-term contractual arrangements, saying the government’s promise to end contractualization, locally known as “endo,” has not been fulfilled.

The groups also condemned the April 22 arrest of Julie Ann Balora, a National Federation of Sugar Workers organizer and national council member of Unyon ng Manggagawang Agrikultura, calling it part of continuing attacks on labor and peasant organizers in Negros. They cited reports of harassment of union leaders in Toboso, Escalante, Calatrava, Cadiz and Sagay.

“We call for Julie Ann Balora to be released because the authorities have no case against her nor did they have a warrant of arrest,” Rosales added. “A warrant of arrest was served to three others who had pending cases, but she had none.” 

KMU said the Philippines’ inclusion among the world’s worst countries for workers’ rights by the International Trade Union Confederation shows the need for stronger labor protections.

Labor, transport, fisherfolk and peasant groups remarked that Labor Day should be marked not only as a commemoration but as a continuing call for collective action.