Over one hundred unions from various labor organizations and federations in the private and public sectors have banded together to challenge senatorial, select district representative, and party-list group candidates to answer questions about their legislative platforms for Filipino workers.

Dubbed the “Workers’ Challenge 2025” groups seek to write letters to each candidate asking them to answer three questions:

First, if elected, will you enact legislation that protects the constitutional right to a national living wage?

Second, if elected, will you enact legislation to eliminate contractualization and protect the constitutional right to tenure security?

Third question: If elected, will you pass legislation to promote workers’ constitutional right to self-organization?

The group stated that they will publish and present the responses of candidates in an assembly they plan to hold before the May 12 elections.

Federation of Free Workers (FFW) Vice President Dyul Cainglet said, “We are doing this to redirect the candidates’ and the country’s attention to the genuine issues that touch millions of Filipino workers on a daily basis, rather than the petty squabbles between traditional politicians.”

To cast an informed vote on May 12, Filipinos must be aware of candidates’ positions on these critical subjects, Cainglet added.

Joel Camigla, President of the APT Manufacturing Union and the Solidarity of Unions for Empowerment and Reform (SUPER Federation), commented on the right to a living wage, saying, Filipino workers suffer daily because wages don’t catch up with the rising costs of basic goods and services. This proves the failure of our existing wage-setting mechanism via regional wage boards.

Despite the “right to a living wage” being clearly included in our Constitution, this still hasn’t become a reality. Candidates must address this if elected into office. Abolish regional wage boards! National living wage now!”, he stressed out.

While, the union of PLDT rank & file – Manggagawa ng Komunikasyon sa Pilipinas secretary general Pete Pinlac emphasized the need to uphold security of tenure.

According to him, contractualization is becoming increasingly prevalent. Employers are increasingly transferring personnel to third-party labor agencies and service cooperatives, thereby dodging the benefits and obligations owed to regular workers.

This system must be ended and Congress has the power to do so. If elected, candidates must ensure the security of tenure of all Filipino workers. Pinlac said .

Larry De Guzman of KASAMA Federation implored all Filipino workers to join the Workers’ Challenge and replicate it across all legislative districts nationwide.

“We must not become divided by regional affiliations to political dynasties. We need to unite to promote working class issues and demands in all provinces, cities, and districts” de Guzamn elaborate.

Whether they are allied to Marcos, Duterte, or are part of another dynasty, or are even coming from progressive circles – they must be challenged and engaged to protect and ensure labor rights. This is the essence of the Workers’ Challenge 2025, he further said.