The labor sector must be allowed to participate in the political process because they too have rights, said the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party of Timor Avelino Coelho.

Avelino made this statement when asked to comment on Labor Day. He said the Transitional Administration preferred to remain silent over labor problems, and this in turn allowed foreign investors to exploit workers.

Workers are not even mentioned in the constitution. The Transitional Administration talks a lot about civil education but they have forgotten that workers are also a part of civil society, he said.

Avelino said his party, the PST, will champion the rights of workers by working together with other groups like Laifet and the Trablista Party.

Avelino said PST will demand a minimum wage for workers nationally that was tax-free. Why are international staff exempt from tax, while local workers earning $100 and more have to pay? asked Avelino.