For Raymond Basilio, union organizing is a question of life and death. As the secretary-general of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) - Philippines, Basilio draws courage from the 240,000 educators he represents. Extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances, arrests, and detention of unionists are a reality in his country.
ACT was founded in the 1980s during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. “From our inception, we recognized the importance of education in empowering individuals and communities, and have worked to ensure this power is harnessed for the greater good,” Basilio recalls.
Basilio spoke at CUPE’s 2019 National Convention while facing death threats. He addressed CUPE delegates again at the 2023 National Convention, this time without private security and largely free of safety concerns back in the Philippines.
The Philippines remains in the top 10 worst countries for workers, according to the International Trade Union Confederation’s 2024 Global Rights Index. Violations of workers’ rights keep piling up while government policies and right-wing lobbies are making it difficult for unions to negotiate on behalf of their members.
“In response to workers’ continuing calls for labour rights, respect, better wages and working conditions, the government has implemented repressive policies that directly curtail academic freedom, our rights to association and to collective bargaining,” says Basilio. “Leaders and legitimate unions are red-tagged and called terrorists. Local leaders in my union face harassment and intimidation.”
He sees many connections between the struggles of Canadian and Filipino education workers fighting for a better life and for equitable access to quality education.
“The education sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the future, both in the Philippines and around the world. The challenges we face in an overworked, undersupported, underpaid and under attack system must be addressed through collective action,” says Basilio.
“Solidarity across borders allows us to tackle common issues like wage disparities and the protection of workers’ rights with a united front. The lessons learned can create a ripple effect, improving conditions for workers around the world.”
His faith in organizing despite all obstacles comes from his country’s history of opposing colonization and toppling dictators. That history holds a key lesson for us all: right-wing governments are on the rise, and gains that feel secure to union members are vulnerable.
“Right-wing governments are organizing and sharing ideas on how to repress us. As workers, we must organize and share ideas on how to fight back together to create a better and just society for workers and for all people,” says Basilio. “Trade unionists must always be on guard. Progress isn’t guaranteed.”
Basilio sees the power of international solidarity as our greatest asset. Solidarity allows us to share experiences and strategies to protect our hard-won gains, and to face the challenges that connect us across borders. ACT is collaborating with other unions and community organizations to keep mobilizing for justice and fairness for workers in the Philippines and worldwide. Basilio is grateful for CUPE members’ continuing support.
“When we are under attack, CUPE never fails to be our voice overseas. When our schools for Indigenous peoples were closed down, you echoed our resistance. Whenever we cannot speak, CUPE along with other unions speaks for us. Thank you CUPE for your strong solidarity!”
