The labor strike at the DLTB Bus Line has been going on for almost a week now, and no immediate resolution is in sight.

The striking workers assailed Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, saying they will find ways to make sure he will not be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. They accused him of favoring management.

AGLO counsel Atty. Jaime Miralles said Bello clearly went out of line when he assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute.

He added, acquiring jurisdiction is tantamount to getting a temporary restraining order (TRO), He said, a TRO is widely perceived as something that easily comes at a price.

The workers said their protest is not illegal, and that it was Bello who violated the law and should therefore resign.

They also denounced being tagged as terrorists by DLTB owner Narciso Morales.

Morales, in an interview Monday morning, said the strike is illegal and that the issue is mainly about the two unions in the company.

The striker workers insisted, however, that Morales should address the issue of non-payment of the minimum wage.

They claimed the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) decided in their favor 3 years ago, but management continues to defy the order that they be paid the minimum wage.

They also continue to deny any role in the burning of 5 DLTB buses in Lemery, Batangas.

They also denounced management's tack at allowing inexperienced drivers to take over their tasks, which they claimed resulted in one Manila-bound bus plunging into a ravine on Saturday.

According to the workers on strike, the driver of the bus had no co-pilot and was unfamiliar with the terrain.

The ongoing strike has paralyzed a big chunk of the bus company's operation, timed as it is at the height of the New Year break. Hundreds of commuters have been affected by the strike.

Bello has signified he would meet with the laborers on Tuesday.