What started as a local virus in Wuhan, China, has now reached all corners of the world. The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, also known as Corona-virus, has swept the world and leaves people and countries devastated by the effects. Countries worldwide react very differently to the virus. Some countries use the method of a total lock-down, while other countries prefer different types of isolation. The aim of this is the further spread of the virus, either by preventing the spread completely or a controlled spread of the virus. What the best method is remains to be seen, but most important is that there is action.
The effect for the workers also differs per country. While in many countries governments can support workers preventing them to lose their jobs this is not the case in most of the countries where workers are generally in a more precarious situation. For many of these workers no work means no income. Their small savings do not allow them to be without work for a very long time and they are really stretching their budget.
With this in mind the World Organization of Workers – WOW took the decision to create a temporary solidarity fund. The fund will allow WOW’s larger affiliate organization to support workers deeply affected by the pandemic.
Through this temporary solidarity fund the Confederation of Democratic Workers of the Philippines (CDWP) has been able to support 901 members active in the sectors transportation, market vending, and trade unions. This support may help the colleagues just this little bit.
The WOW hopes for everyone to remain healthy.
In solidarity!
