Defend Job is a movement fighting for decent employment, adequate housing, and other human rights “in the midst of unemployment, extreme hunger, and poverty.” In the Philippines in 2006 an estimated 70 million people were earning less than $2.00 a day. Of a labor force of 36 million in 2010 only an estimated 220,000 workers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Defend Job emerged from the struggle by women workers in 2009 against illegal and unjust lay-offs and closure by Triumph International, a giant multi-national underwear company based in Germany. Defend Job has become a network of unions, workers associations and community based organizations. It is also the Secretariat of the Demolition Watch Initiative, created in response to the announcement by the Arroyo administration of massive evictions of the urban poor in Manila to make way for government infrastructure projects.
In a recent submission to the Philippines’ Congress, Defend Job documented violent evictions that have continued under the current president, Benigno Aquino. More than 80 evictions have taken place in three years, affecting more than 63,000 families in 37 communities. In January, more than a 1,000 members of the Philippine National Police and demolition team, with no prior notice, used guns, tear gas and brute force to forcibly evict and demolish the homes of more than 200 residents in Quezon City.
Defend Job has also been at the forefront of mobilizing national and international protest against the growing repression of labor leaders and other human rights defenders in the Philippines. On June 11th, ESCR-Net, responding to an appeal by Defend Job, sent a collective letter calling on the Philippines to stop the harassment and Intimidation of Ed Cubalo, President of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Workers Association as well as a member of Defend Job, who has been leading the fight for justice for some 237 workers who have allegedly been illegally dismissed.
In its work Defend Job draws on the religious symbols and values that resonate deeply with many of the oppressed it the Philippines. Below are photos of the yearly procession during holy week which is used to dramatize the people’s Calvary of poverty and oppression.
