Labor leaders upset after dialogue with PNoy

MANILA, Philippines - Leaders of labor groups expressed disappointment after a dialogue with President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday afternoon.

Labor groups under the Nagkaisa alliance said they walked away empty-handed after the three-hour meeting with Aquino.

"Nagkaisa labor groups appreciate the willingness of the President to continue discussing several demands by Nagkaisa. However, we are very upset that after two years of dialogue, his administration failed to address labor's main demand for (the passage of) Security of Tenure Bill and the reduction in power rates," the labor alliance said in a statement.

"Mabuti pa si (US President Barack) Obama, nakuha agad gusto nya," the groups added, referring to the recent signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US.

President Aquino met with the labor leaders ahead of the Labor Day celebration on May 1.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines spokesman Allan Tanjusay said President Aquino wants another round of talks with labor leaders in June.

"Gusto pa ni PNoy ituloy ang dialogue," Tanjusay said in a text message.