Wealth over labor
THE fire that gutted the Kentex footwear factory in Valenzuela City on May 13 resulted in the death of 72 workers. All belonging to the lower-income classes, these workers were not even trained in fire safety by their employer, thus, denying them any chance of survival. In addition, the company allegedly paid salaries well below minimum wage, as well as withholding pensions, health benefits and other forms of social security.