PISTON depended transport strikers threatened with 'franchise cancellation'
By J.Lo
"Does government have nothing else to do but destroy livelihoods of its citizens?" PISTON national president Mody Floranda said in statement sent to media progressive transport group PISTON came to aid of their fellow jeepney drivers and operators facing threats from state due to two-day strike against PUV phaseout and for their allegations of corruption within Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
LTFRB threatened to cancel franchises and issue show cause orders against members of Manibela who staged said "tigil-pasada."
"Our demands are straight and simple scrap PUV phaseout and let us have fair, pro-people, and reasonable program for public transport that does not disadvantage small drivers and operators."
Manibela halted their jeepney operations last Monday and Tuesday to protest December 31 deadline set for consolidation of traditional jeepney, prelude to "hari ng kalsada's" phaseout in lieu with state's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.
Their president, Mar Valbuena, earlier said strike was also done due to corruption within LTFRB, with at least P5 million being paid "in exchange for approval of franchise or securing routes and special permits" in connection with modernization program.
PISTON earlier joined Manibela in planned week-long transport strike last March 2023 but halted it after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed to study revision of highly controversial PUV modernization program.
Floranda said issuance of show cause orders and threats of franchise cancellation have been done before by LTFRB Region VI to PUV operators in Iloilo, who also joined transport strike in city last July 24.
"Instead of listening and addressing calls of drivers and operators on why our complaints lead to strike, it seems government is really intent on attacking livelihood and rights of workers," continued Floranda.
Convention 87 of International Labor Organization (ILO) and principles of freedom of association ensures "right to strike" or conduct work stoppages as protest and can only be restricted in extremely limited circumstances.
Group argued while PUV drivers and operators have obligation to provide services to passengers, ILO said those who provide services, including public transport workers, should enjoy right to strike and should not be subject to interference or repression by authorities.
Groups have earlier lamented said move to phaseout traditional jeeps and UV Express since modern minibuses cost as much as P2.8 million each.
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