BACOLOD City – A labor group opposed the reclassification of the controversial high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from “D” to “B.”
Secretary-general Wennie Sancho of the General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) expressed their disapproval on what he said were “attempts” of some beverage companies to reclassify HFCS from being a “world market” sugar to a “domestic market” sugar through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
Sancho said he received this information from “reliable sources,” which he did not further disclose.
The labor advocate wrote a March 22 letter to SRA board member Atty. Dino Yulo informing the latter of the group’s “vehement opposition” regarding the matter.
“We appeal for your intervention on this crucial issue as we reiterate our opposition on the proposed conversion for the good of the labor and management in the sugar industry,” part of the letter stated.
Sancho believes that the conversion will lead the local sugar industry to “go back to square one,” which will eventually aggravate – or worse, displace – sugar farmers.
Yulo confirmed to Panay News that the SRA board has received a letter from Pepsi Cola, requesting the reclassification.
The board has yet to come up with a decision, he added.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) is set to hold a series of public hearings starting April 24 regarding the proposed P150 daily wage hike.
This after GAWA filed a petition requesting such.
Sancho said that if ever the wage hike pushes through, the “management of the sugar industry would not comply with this mandated wage increase if the price of sugar is very cheap./PN
