Church labor group calls for resumption of jeep operations

A church labor group has called to allow the operation of jeepney drivers who are left without income for months due to public transportation restrictions during the community quarantine.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) said that thousands of jeepney drivers were left with no sources of livelihood since the lockdown.

“Even before the pandemic, jeepney drivers and their families were already in difficult economic situations. And now, the situation even worsens,” he said.

He stressed that the resumption of jeepney operations will not only revive their livelihood but will also provide transport service to Covid-19 frontliners and workers.

The San Carlos bishop also appealed for the immediate release of cash aid to jeepney drivers.

According to him, many of the drivers are still waiting for the government’s cash aid for more than two months now.

In allowing jeepney drivers back to work, the prelate stressed the importance of mass testing “to ensure their safety and the commuting public”.

He also called for the release of six jeepney drivers who were arrested during a protest calling for the release of cash assistance in Caloocan City on June 2.

“We also appeal to our brothers and sisters in the community to give cash or in kind support to our drivers and their families,” Aminaza said.