By Leslie Ann Aquino
Labor group Defend Jobs Philippines on Sunday, June 8, called on those who have spare bikes to share it to others.
Defend Jobs Philippines (FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The group issued the call as thousands of workers struggle to get to work due to the lack of public transportation, particularly buses and jeepneys, in Metro Manila amid the general community quarantine (GCQ).
"Amid the commuting and traffic woes being experienced by Filipino workers as they go to work in this time of the GCQ, let us show some care and love to our working class by sharing your spare bikes for them," Defend Jobs said in a Facebook post.
The group said those interested in participating in the initiative may contact them at 0915-5670410.
Defend Jobs has urged the government to not delay the operations of buses and jeepneys and allow them get back on the road in the soonest possible time for the benefit of the working people. A church labor group also issued a similar call.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) said jeepney drivers were left without income for months due to public transportation restrictions during the community quarantine.
“Even before the pandemic, jeepney drivers and their families were already in difficult economic situations. And now, the situation even worsens,” he said.
He stressed that the resumption of jeepney operations will not only revive their livelihood but will also provide transport service to medical frontliners and workers.
Defend Jobs Philippines (FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The group issued the call as thousands of workers struggle to get to work due to the lack of public transportation, particularly buses and jeepneys, in Metro Manila amid the general community quarantine (GCQ).
"Amid the commuting and traffic woes being experienced by Filipino workers as they go to work in this time of the GCQ, let us show some care and love to our working class by sharing your spare bikes for them," Defend Jobs said in a Facebook post.
The group said those interested in participating in the initiative may contact them at 0915-5670410.
Defend Jobs has urged the government to not delay the operations of buses and jeepneys and allow them get back on the road in the soonest possible time for the benefit of the working people. A church labor group also issued a similar call.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) said jeepney drivers were left without income for months due to public transportation restrictions during the community quarantine.
“Even before the pandemic, jeepney drivers and their families were already in difficult economic situations. And now, the situation even worsens,” he said.
He stressed that the resumption of jeepney operations will not only revive their livelihood but will also provide transport service to medical frontliners and workers.