Labor groups move to form anti-war coalition

"Employers should be shot for profiteering in the time of war!"

Thus, said the president of a labor group after he alleged that businessmen are using the war in the US as an alibi not to grant wage increases for workers.

Militant groups Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) will now lead and form a broad anti-war coalition in the labor movement.

"It's time to bring the anti-war message to the factories and communities and form a solid constituency for peace," said Victor Briz, chairman of the MBP.

"Workers are mad because we have nothing to gain and everything to lose in this war," added Renato Magtubo of the PM in a press statement.

The two explained that the aim of the labor forum and coalition against war is to bring the peace movement to the grassroots level through the wide network of labor unions.

Tentatively called the anti-war coalition "Manggagawa Ayaw sa Digmaan," BMP and PM are expecting more than 300 labor leaders from some 200 local unions to attend the launching this week. – Matthew Estabillo