The World Federation of Trade Unions that represents more than 90 million organized workers in 126 countries, expresses its deep sorrow and anger over the recent fire at a footwear factory in Manila, that left dozens of workers dead and missing.
This incident joins a long list of work related incidents in factories, mines, construction sites and other workplaces, where – due to the lack of health and safety measures, by the employers- millions of workers lose their lives or get injured while working, every year. The recent incident is an example of the dire consequences of capitalist exploitation and anti-labor policies that are implemented in the Philippines and almost all countries of the world, where employers sacrifice workers’ lives for profits, with the full complicity of local governments.
The WFTU expresses its complete class solidarity and support to the families and loved ones of the deceased workers and to the working class of the Philippines. The WFTU and the militant trade union movement all over the world demand that occupational safety measures are applied to all workplaces and that workers safety and life is respected. We call on all unions to strengthen the struggle for the improvement of health and safety measures in each and every country and continent.
THE SECRETARIAT
