Around 500 workers and supporters gathered in Initao, Misamis Oriental on Resurrection Sunday to express solidarity with the striking employees of Newtech Pulp Inc. in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
The assembly, organized by the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and the Macajalar Labor Union–FFW, also renewed calls for churches to help workers organize and strengthen labor unions in workplaces across the country.
FFW said the Easter message should extend beyond religious rites and reach the factory gate, bargaining table, and picket line—where workers continue to fight for fair wages and dignity at work.
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The federation cited the Catholic social teaching rooted in Rerum Novarum issued by Pope Leo XIII, stressing that workers should not remain burdened by low wages and weak bargaining power but should also experience “resurrection” through just pay and genuine negotiations.
In a statwment given wth Gold Star Daily News, FFW President Atty. Sonny Matula reiterated the call for stronger labor organizing, urging church leaders and communities to support workers in forming unions and pursuing collective bargaining.
Workers of Newtech Pulp launched their strike on March 6 after collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations reached a deadlock over wages.
Unions said management offered pay increases lower than those granted in the previous agreement despite workers lowering their demands during mediation talks.
Matula said the unions had already shown compromise in negotiations but management responded with smaller offers.
“Workers bent backward to narrow the gap, but management moved backward,” he said, adding that collective bargaining should build solutions rather than punish workers for exercising their rights.
FFW also expressed solidarity with workers of Package World Inc. who staged a picket outside Asia Brewery in Cabuyao, Laguna in March.
The labor federation said the right of workers to organize and form associations remains a fundamental principle recognized both in labor laws and in Church social teachings.
