Gabriela decries violence vs women workers on Labor Day

Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus took part in the Labor Day rally in Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Manila. CONSUELO MARQUEZ/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Gabriela Women’s Partylist denounced violence against women employees in the celebration of 2019 Labor Day.

“I think what should be highlighted [is] economic violence; as women, talagang merong distinct problem in all levels, lalo sa workers,” Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus told INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of a rally at Liwasang Bonifacio.

De Jesus said she had encountered reports that some women are even forced to offer sexual favors in exchange of job benefits.

“May mga cases kami na in favor of supervisors para kunin ka, etc., para ma-retain etc… pwedeng magbigay ng sexual favor,” she said.

De Jesus also expressed dismay over women who suffer the burden of being contractual workers.

“Wherever women are, sila yung pinaka-vulnerable; more so yung mga workers na contractual — ‘yung mga indefinite ‘yung kanilang kasiguruhan na sila ay kukunin pa,” she said.

Severa workers’ groups took to the streets on Labor Day to hold protest actions against contractualization and to urge the government to raise the minimum wage. /je

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