HACIENDA LUISITA FARMERS WALK OUT
Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac, Nov. 28, 1997 - The Philippine Daily Inquirer's Central Luzon reporter writes that tension is gripping the 6,000-hectare sugar plantation belonging to President Cory Aquino's family, after 700 farm workers marched in protest over management's cost-cutting measures.
The workers from the villages of Lourdes and Balete said their income would be reduced by P800/month. They also complained about a memorandum order making Sunday a working day, prompting them to boycott work on Sunday, November 16 and again on November 23.
The protestors expect to be joined by workers from other Hacienda Luisita barangays, such as Asturias, Bantog, Central, Cut-Cut II, Mapalacsiao, Mabilog, Parang and Motrico.
The workers stormed the office of United Luisita Workers' Union president Ernesto Sangil who they felt was not looking after their welfare.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 1997
All rights reserved