Trade union leader from Philippines gets warm welcome in Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN – More than 50 trade unionists gathered at the United Labor Centre here, April 25, to hear Ed Cubelo, the president of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Workers Association and chairman of the Metro Manila chapter of the major trade union federation in the Philippines – Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) or ‘May First Labor Movement.’ Also speaking was Raymond “Mong” Palatino, the chairperson of the metro Manila chapter of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-BAYAN, a progressive alliance of people’s organizations.

KMU leader Ed Cubelo talked about the conditions faced by workers in the Philippines under the reactionary U.S.-backed regime of President Rodrigo Duterte, and the struggle for decent working conditions at U.S.-controlled multinational corporations. The KMU has organized a wave of powerful protests, strikes and workplace occupations to improve the lot of Filipino workers.

About $4000 was pledged to support a KMU workers’ school at the speaking event.

On April 26, a meeting was held which included the Philippine guests and some of Minnesota’s top labor leaders.