Port, transport workers buck planned privatization of Manila North Harbor

07/12/2007

Hundreds of port and transport workers will lose their jobs if the government will privatize Manila North Harbor in the guise of modernization program.

The Alliance of Port and Transport Workers at North Harbor (APTWP-NH) staged a march rally from North to South harbors and proceeded to the Philippine Ports Authority office where they demanded the resignation of PPA general manager Oscar Sevilla.

The protesting port workers, all clad in red T-shirts, also appealed to President Arroyo to stop the alleged anomalous bidding of North Harbor where PPA cut down the cargo and passenger terminal operators from three contractors to single contractor.

APTWP-NH president Jake Azures said Sevilla violated PPA Administrative Order 81 which clearly stated they were part of the arrastre, stevedoring and porterage service of North Harbor and were not consulted on the privatization plan.

There are more than 1,000 port and transport workers at North Harbor where most of them have been working there for almost 20 years.

“There was no public hearing nor were we consulted by the PPA on the matter. Ito lamang ang aming hanap buhay at magugutom kami pag nawalan kami ng trabaho,” Azures said.

“Unless the government intervenes on our behalf, we will fight, even if this will cost our lives,” the port workers warned.

Conrado Ching

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