TUCP tells KMU to grow up

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) today hit back at the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) and its allied organizations challenging the left-leaning organization to put-up or shut up.

KMU and its allied transport group PISTON yesterday criticized the TUCP for its petition seeking a P78 increase in workers wages. KMU and PISTON said that the government influenced the TUCP in filing the petition.

The two also accused the Government of using the TUCP to stifle the P125 wage increase pushed by Bayan Muna in Congress.

TUCP dismissed KMU’s assertions as very juvenile and lacking in common sense.

“Why use TUCP when the government would earn more “pogi points” when an adjustment in wages is unilaterally granted by the wage boards”, TUCP said.

TUCP defended its petition saying it is based on a formula that considers the needs of workers and the capacity of the economy to sustain it.

The TUCP said that KMU’s claims are made to cover up for its lack of confidence in their P125 wage increase proposal and an attempt to divert attention away from the bankruptcy of their advocacies.

“KMU has nothing to show. Despite the rhetoric they have not raised minimum wages by a single centavo. They have no record in improving benefits or improving the dignity of their members. KMU’s entry in factories is a surefire recipe for closures. These are known facts. They have caused thousands of workers to lose their jobs. Take the case of Hacienda Luisita”, TUCP said.

“The public should be warned that KMU’s only compulsion is to create more chaos and stir discontent among workers so they can expand the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

TUCP challenged KMU to mature and operate in a more civilized way.