TUCP hits construction of power plant in Naga

A partylist group has opposed the ongoing construction of the Kepco-Salcon coal-fired power plant, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank, in Naga City.

In a press statement, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said that the construction of the 200-megawatt power plant will certainly contribute to global warming.

“TUCP is one with environmental lawyers, NGOs and church leaders in the Visayas who are questioning the construction of the proposed plant. TUCP understands that workers will also be affected when ecological balance is disturbed due to greed and corruption,” the statement said.

TUCP, the largest worker’s party in the country, firmly believes that it is in the best interest of labor to work for environmental protection.

It said it also wanted to ensure that social, health and environmental concerns related to the construction of power generators are properly addressed.

Likewise, TUCP is concerned with the labor issues that the management of Kepco-Salcon must immediately contend with.

These issues include the demand for union recognition and protection, collective bargaining agreement, and the implementation of equal pay for equal work.

TUCP insisted that the ADB, being the loan provider for new power plants, must honor the commitment to secure workers’ rights as part of the lending policy.

“We sympathize with the workers in their decision to go on strike if the management is uncooperative with labor standards,” the TUCP statement added.

The FREEMAN last night tried but failed to contact the management of Kepco-Salcon for its comment. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)