Unpaid Picop workers seek gov’t aid

By Chris V. Panganiban
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:55:00 01/16/2008

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur -- Some 500 workers of a huge paper company in Bislig City have sought government help saying they have not received their salaries and benefits for four months now.

The workers of Picop Resources, Inc. (PRI) have sought the help of officials of this city.

At a recent dialogue, they told Mayor Alberto Tan that, aside from their salaries, they also did not receive their 13th month pay last year.

Joselito Soriano, president of Ang Katipunang Hanapbuhay sa Picop Resources, Inc., told reporters their hardships have become so unbearable they decided to seek redress from city officials.

The workers' decision to publicly air their grievances came as a surprise to many here since it was only last November 28 that they staged a rally defending the company from the incessant attacks by Fr. Florio Falcon, local parish priest, and other concerned groups over the company's alleged pollution.

The workers also complained that their monthly rice allowance, which the company extends as an additional benefit, was no longer released.

Aside from this, Soriano said the company only gave 50 percent of their 13th month pay for 2006.

PRI spokesperson Iola Badajos would not respond to queries.

The workers' tale prompted Tan to order the city Social Welfare Office to give them food assistance such as rice, noodles and canned goods.

The city council also passed a resolution realigning funds intended for the electricity and water bills as humanitarian cash assistance to the protesting workers.

Local officials have also asked private schools where the workers' children are studying to show consideration while they are unable to meet their obligations.