December 30, 2009
The Situation and Struggle of Workers in 2009
The global economic crisis has brought the Philippine economy to the brink of recession. At the onset of the global crisis late last year, the government of Gloria Arroyo initially took the stance that the local economy will be insulated. But despite being in denial and whistling in the dark, the signs are clear of an economy teetering in recession.
There are historic declines in manufacturing and trade. The seasonally adjusted agriculture, fishery and forestry sector contracted by 1.0 percent in the first quarter of 2009 after expanding by 0.9 per cent in the last quarter of 2008. Industry registered its lowest growth for the last twenty years as it sank by 6.6 percent from a 0.1 percent gain in the last quarter.
Even the services sector posted no growth for the first quarter of 2009 compared to 0.2 percent recorded the previous quarter. Investments in fixed capital formation in the first quarter of 2009 plunged to negative 5.7 percent from a growth of 3.0 percent in the same period last year. Investments in durable equipment dropped to negative 17.9 percent from a growth of 9.6 percent a year ago. Total exports dived deeper to negative 18.2 percent from negative 7.7 percent last year. Total imports valued at P530.9 billion pesos at current prices exceeded total exports valued at P528.6 billion pesos, resulting in a trade deficit of P2.3 billion pesos.
The global economic crisis and the slowdown in the local economy had a grave impact on the lives and livelihood of workers in the Philippines. Job losses, mainly in the export sector of the economy, are worsening the unemployment and underemployment rate.
The adult unemployment is more than 20%, the highest since 2005, according to the Social Weather Station survey last June. Some 40,000 workers were laid off since October last year according to the conservative data of the DOLE. At least 120,000 workers affected by layoffs, job-rotation and wage cuts according to the DOLE.
Big multinational firms based in the Philippines have shutdown in the space of one year. The prestigious Intel plant in Cavite closed in December 2008. The German-owned undergarments firms Triumph and Star Performance in Taguig closed this August, laying off 1,600 workers. The Canadian-owned electronics factory Celestica in Cebu also shutdown in August, displacing 900 workers. Meanwhile in September a Taiwanese-owned conglomerate of garments firms called Sports City that produces for world-famous brands Adidas and Reebok retrenched 1,000 workers in Cebu.
Employers are passing the burden of the crisis on the backs of the workers. Capitalists are using the global crisis as an excuse to demolish workers rights and undercut labor standards. Several high profile cases highlight the trend.
Up to 400 retrenched workers of Maitland-Smith Cebu, Inc. have filed cases of illegal retrenchment. Some 1,700 workers produce high-end home furniture and accessories in the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu. Its mother company is Maitland-Smith, headquartered in High Point, North Carolina.
Over 200 laid off workers of Lear Automotive have filed cases. Located also in the Mactan Economic Zone, it is an American company that exports electronics parts for cars. The remaining 11,000 workers suffer from reduced workdays.
Some 15 retrenched workers have filed cases against Taiyo Yuden Philippines Inc. It is a Japanese subsidiary that produces spare parts for cellular phones in the Mactan Economic Zone. The remaining 8,000 workers are on reduced workdays.
The workers are refusing to pay the price of a crisis that is not of their own making. Labor unrest is brewing as capitalists attack jobs, wages and working conditions. Although the revival in workers struggle is uneven, the return to militant struggle is taking shape. At the forefront of the new struggles are the workers of Metro Cebu.
The first workers strike against mass layoffs erupted last February in a furniture export firm in Mandaue, an industrial town in Metro Cebu. Hundreds of workers of Giardini del Sole went on strike for two days and paralyzed operations of the company by physically preventing the passage of personnel and goods. Even though illegal, the government vacillated in enforcing the law because of worker militancy and public support.
In April the first ever rally was held inside the Mactan Economic Zone in its decades-long existence. Around 70 workers of Sauna World Inc., a Finnish-owned firm producing sauna and spa heaters for export, marched from their factory to the gates of the export zone.
Last June the first picket line was setup on the gates of the Mactan Economic Zone by the workers of Paul Yu Industrial Corp., one of the biggest factories in the zone that produces lamp shades for export. More than 300 workers went on a month-long work stoppage in protest at the suspension of seven leaders of their workers association. The bitter labor dispute marked the definitive end of the era of the zone as a haven for docile labor where employers can ride roughshod over workers rights and labor standards without provoking a militant response from the workers.
By September of this year the labor unrest had transformed into a revival of unionism at the Mactan Economic Zone. The export zone was so repressive that even the moderate TUCP was complaining against its no-union policy. The workers of Altamode Inc., which makes clothes for the American firm Abercrombie & Fitch, successfully formed a union though they lost the certification elections due to management interference in the workers’ exercise of the freedom to organize and the DOLE’s indifference to the unfair labor practice of the company. Yet unlike previous attempts at failed union building which always ended in the termination of union officers and members, in this case the unionists were able to regain work and thus the struggle continues.
Showing posts with label giardini del sole. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giardini del sole. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Keppel management settles dispute, union declares partial victory
Press Release
April 8, 2009
The management and union of the large Keppel Cebu shipyard this afternoon signed a memorandum of agreement spelling out the terms of a settlement over the month-long labor dispute over mass layoffs. The Keppel union considered the agreement as a “partial victory in the tactical fight against retrenchment.”
Roger Igot, president of Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL), said that “We were able to preserve the union and more than half of the regular workforce. Thus we will have a new collective bargaining negotiations come December whether under the present management or the new company that will undertake shipbuilding operations.”
The memorandum of agreement stipulates that management will not declare another redundancy and may use only persuasion in making workers accept the company’s offer for alternative employment in their other shipyards both locally and abroad. The agreement also allows any worker among the 70 that were retrenched through redundancy to contest their termination in a proper forum with the help of the union.
Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa, asserted that “The agreement is merely a ceasefire in the class struggle. At the moment the balance of forces tilted in favor of the workers through their militant struggle and labor solidarity among Cebu unions. The Giardini del Sole workers formula of militant struggle against mass layoffs has proved successful once more.”
In the course of more than a month, the Keppel union has engaged in sitdown protests and rallies at the shipyard gates with the support of the Solidarity of Cebu Workers (SCW). The Keppel union has a pending notice of strike and assails management for using the mass layoffs as a means to bust the union and replace the regular workforce with contractual workers. The memorandum of agreement enjoins both parties from engaging in any acts that will exacerbate the dispute. In concrete this means that the management will not push through with another redundancy while the union will follow through on the strike.
“The labor dispute at Keppel, the layoffs at Lear and other factories at the Mactan Export Processing Zone belie government claims. It is wishful thinking on the part of government to say that layoffs are over. The good news over more hiring than firings are just fairy tales. Still we call on all workers to challenge government’s promises of assistance for the displaced including the temporary unemployment insurance of P10,000 per month for six months. Workers should claim these benefits and protection through protest and struggle,” argued Magtubo.
April 8, 2009
The management and union of the large Keppel Cebu shipyard this afternoon signed a memorandum of agreement spelling out the terms of a settlement over the month-long labor dispute over mass layoffs. The Keppel union considered the agreement as a “partial victory in the tactical fight against retrenchment.”
Roger Igot, president of Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL), said that “We were able to preserve the union and more than half of the regular workforce. Thus we will have a new collective bargaining negotiations come December whether under the present management or the new company that will undertake shipbuilding operations.”
The memorandum of agreement stipulates that management will not declare another redundancy and may use only persuasion in making workers accept the company’s offer for alternative employment in their other shipyards both locally and abroad. The agreement also allows any worker among the 70 that were retrenched through redundancy to contest their termination in a proper forum with the help of the union.
Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa, asserted that “The agreement is merely a ceasefire in the class struggle. At the moment the balance of forces tilted in favor of the workers through their militant struggle and labor solidarity among Cebu unions. The Giardini del Sole workers formula of militant struggle against mass layoffs has proved successful once more.”
In the course of more than a month, the Keppel union has engaged in sitdown protests and rallies at the shipyard gates with the support of the Solidarity of Cebu Workers (SCW). The Keppel union has a pending notice of strike and assails management for using the mass layoffs as a means to bust the union and replace the regular workforce with contractual workers. The memorandum of agreement enjoins both parties from engaging in any acts that will exacerbate the dispute. In concrete this means that the management will not push through with another redundancy while the union will follow through on the strike.
“The labor dispute at Keppel, the layoffs at Lear and other factories at the Mactan Export Processing Zone belie government claims. It is wishful thinking on the part of government to say that layoffs are over. The good news over more hiring than firings are just fairy tales. Still we call on all workers to challenge government’s promises of assistance for the displaced including the temporary unemployment insurance of P10,000 per month for six months. Workers should claim these benefits and protection through protest and struggle,” argued Magtubo.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Workers protest Keppel layoffs, slam corporate welfare granted
Press Release
March 16, 2009
At 4 p.m. today around a hundred supporters from the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and other labor unions picketed the gates of the Keppel shipyard. Workers from the Giardini del Sole, who were the first to go on strike against mass layoffs lent their support. “The fight of Keppel workers for jobs is the fight of all Cebuano workers,” declared Dennis Derige, spokesperson for PM-Cebu.
“Not just workers but even capitalists like the Cebu ship owners are opposing Keppel’s plan to shift from ship repair to ship building and retrench a big majority of regular workers. Yet Keppel maintains its hardline position,” explained Roger Igot, president of Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL).
Igot also revealed that documents from the Board of Investments which recently granted pioneer status to Keppel Sing-marine Philippines, Inc. show that the shipbuilder will employ 620 workers. Keppel Sing-marine Philippines is building a P590-million facility that will make tugboats and support vessels.
“That means once Keppel Cebu lays off 70% of the 280 regular workers and union members then the remaining 80 workers or so will be a tiny minority among more than 500 contractuals of Keppel Sing-marine. The contractual workers will only be paid the minimum wage and moreover will be without the protection of a union and benefit of a collective bargaining agreement,” insisted Igot.
Derige added that “How ironic that even as Keppel receives generous perks such as tax-and duty-free importation of capital equipment, income tax holiday of up to six years and exemption from wharf dues, export tax and import fees, it demolishes regular jobs and destroy workers lives. Foreign capitalists like Keppel get corporate welfare while Filipino workers are denied social protection. Any company that gets assistance from the government must be prohibited from mass layoffs on pain of losing these privileges.” ###
March 16, 2009
At 4 p.m. today around a hundred supporters from the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and other labor unions picketed the gates of the Keppel shipyard. Workers from the Giardini del Sole, who were the first to go on strike against mass layoffs lent their support. “The fight of Keppel workers for jobs is the fight of all Cebuano workers,” declared Dennis Derige, spokesperson for PM-Cebu.
“Not just workers but even capitalists like the Cebu ship owners are opposing Keppel’s plan to shift from ship repair to ship building and retrench a big majority of regular workers. Yet Keppel maintains its hardline position,” explained Roger Igot, president of Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL).
Igot also revealed that documents from the Board of Investments which recently granted pioneer status to Keppel Sing-marine Philippines, Inc. show that the shipbuilder will employ 620 workers. Keppel Sing-marine Philippines is building a P590-million facility that will make tugboats and support vessels.
“That means once Keppel Cebu lays off 70% of the 280 regular workers and union members then the remaining 80 workers or so will be a tiny minority among more than 500 contractuals of Keppel Sing-marine. The contractual workers will only be paid the minimum wage and moreover will be without the protection of a union and benefit of a collective bargaining agreement,” insisted Igot.
Derige added that “How ironic that even as Keppel receives generous perks such as tax-and duty-free importation of capital equipment, income tax holiday of up to six years and exemption from wharf dues, export tax and import fees, it demolishes regular jobs and destroy workers lives. Foreign capitalists like Keppel get corporate welfare while Filipino workers are denied social protection. Any company that gets assistance from the government must be prohibited from mass layoffs on pain of losing these privileges.” ###
Keppel Cebu union files notice of strike as management pushes with layoffs
Press Release
March 16, 2009
The labor union of Keppel Cebu filed a notice of strike this afternoon as management announced this morning that it will push through with a redundancy program. The redundancy will mean the loss of 70% of 280 regular jobs. The Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL) charged management with union busting.
Roger Igot, president of NMB-NFL, “Workers will again not leave the shipyard premises and sacrifice time with our families in order to protest the illegal termination. Keppel management is using the crisis as an excuse to replace regular jobs with cheap and docile contractual labor.” Last week union members started protest actions by remaining within the shipyard compound despite the end of their shift.
Management assembled its work force this morning and despite opposition from the workers, announced the implementation of the redundancy program. Keppel management earlier tried to downsize its work force by offering a voluntary resignation package which the union also rejected. The redundancy is in line with Keppel Cebu’s decision to shift from ship repair to ship building. The union however argues that ship building entails even more workers in spite of the introduction of machinery.
Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and its allied unions anounced that they will support the strike of Keppel workers. “If the Keppel labor dispute matures into a strike, it will be the third strike in just two months following on the heels of the Giardini del Sole workers. A strike wave is taking shape and the labor unrest is being fanned by the capitalists’ penchant for shifting the burden of the crisis on the workers,” argued Dennis Derige, spokesperson of PM.
He added that “Management pays a regular Keppel worker much higher wages and benefits compared to a contractual laborer who makes do with below minimum wages and no benefits.”
“Contractualization on the shipyards will mean work accidents like what is happening in Hanjin at Subic. Contractualization is not just a plague on the workers but a hazard to marine safety and the riding public. We ask the Marina to explore this angle in the hearing on Keppel’s turn to shipbuilding,” Igot explained. ###
March 16, 2009
The labor union of Keppel Cebu filed a notice of strike this afternoon as management announced this morning that it will push through with a redundancy program. The redundancy will mean the loss of 70% of 280 regular jobs. The Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL) charged management with union busting.
Roger Igot, president of NMB-NFL, “Workers will again not leave the shipyard premises and sacrifice time with our families in order to protest the illegal termination. Keppel management is using the crisis as an excuse to replace regular jobs with cheap and docile contractual labor.” Last week union members started protest actions by remaining within the shipyard compound despite the end of their shift.
Management assembled its work force this morning and despite opposition from the workers, announced the implementation of the redundancy program. Keppel management earlier tried to downsize its work force by offering a voluntary resignation package which the union also rejected. The redundancy is in line with Keppel Cebu’s decision to shift from ship repair to ship building. The union however argues that ship building entails even more workers in spite of the introduction of machinery.
Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and its allied unions anounced that they will support the strike of Keppel workers. “If the Keppel labor dispute matures into a strike, it will be the third strike in just two months following on the heels of the Giardini del Sole workers. A strike wave is taking shape and the labor unrest is being fanned by the capitalists’ penchant for shifting the burden of the crisis on the workers,” argued Dennis Derige, spokesperson of PM.
He added that “Management pays a regular Keppel worker much higher wages and benefits compared to a contractual laborer who makes do with below minimum wages and no benefits.”
“Contractualization on the shipyards will mean work accidents like what is happening in Hanjin at Subic. Contractualization is not just a plague on the workers but a hazard to marine safety and the riding public. We ask the Marina to explore this angle in the hearing on Keppel’s turn to shipbuilding,” Igot explained. ###
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Cebu workers end strike, declare victory in struggle
Press Release
February 17, 2009
The workers of a furniture factory in Mandaue who were the first to launch a strike against layoffs since the onset of the present crisis announced in a press conference today that they are lifting their picket lines after the successful conclusion of protracted negotiations yesterday. The workers of Giardini del Sole went on strike last February 3 and paralyzed operations of the firm for two days which forced the management to return to negotiating table. The first two days of the strike was filled with tension as management alleged that striking workers were preventing the free ingress and egress of other employees, and even defying the Mandaue mayor who interceded in behalf of management.
“If we had not launched a strike that paralyzed the company, then we would have been without jobs and would have been lucky to receive a separation pay after six months. But because we fought for our rights, we got from management and the government a ‘bailout package’ that is more than what they were initially willing to give,” explained Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), the union at the Giardini del Sole.
In negotiations that ended yesterday, management and government offered the following forms of assistance to the workers:
1. Immediate payment of separation pay of 13 days per year of service
2. P5,000 assistance previously released by management will not be charged to the separation pay
3. Refund by management to workers of unremitted SSS payments since July 2008 and other similar benefits
4. Grant of P360,000 in employment assistance from the city government of Mandaue to workers who are residents of the town
5. Capitalization for a worker-owned and managed furniture-making cooperative from the Department of Labor
“In times of crisis, the workers will have to fight for every centavo that they deserve in wages, benefits and assistance. Workers should learn the lessons of our struggle. We will be treated like disposable rags and worn out machines by capitalists bent on passing the burden of the crisis on workers. Instead of meekly receiving what little they offer us, workers should fight with their heads up high for jobs and rights,” argued Eulito Fin Jr., vice president of NPMG.
Renato Magtubo, chairsperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), stated that the Giardini workers struggle can serve as a model of the “pro-labor bailout scheme” that the group is pushing for. “The Giardini model of militant struggle and workers assistance can be replicated wherever workers are victims of retrenchment and rotations,” he insisted.
PM is campaigning for a 5-point bailout package for workers and the poor that consist of (1) subsidy for displaced workers from the SSS, GSIS and OWWA; (2) tax refund for wage earners; (2) expansion and reform of the public employment program; (3) extension of health care coverage for displaced workers; and (5) moratorium on demolitions and evictions.
The labor dispute at Giardini del Sole started last January 5 when more than 300 Giardini workers held an impromptu protest at the factory gates upon learning that only 100 employees were allowed to work after returning from the holiday break. ###
February 17, 2009
The workers of a furniture factory in Mandaue who were the first to launch a strike against layoffs since the onset of the present crisis announced in a press conference today that they are lifting their picket lines after the successful conclusion of protracted negotiations yesterday. The workers of Giardini del Sole went on strike last February 3 and paralyzed operations of the firm for two days which forced the management to return to negotiating table. The first two days of the strike was filled with tension as management alleged that striking workers were preventing the free ingress and egress of other employees, and even defying the Mandaue mayor who interceded in behalf of management.
“If we had not launched a strike that paralyzed the company, then we would have been without jobs and would have been lucky to receive a separation pay after six months. But because we fought for our rights, we got from management and the government a ‘bailout package’ that is more than what they were initially willing to give,” explained Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), the union at the Giardini del Sole.
In negotiations that ended yesterday, management and government offered the following forms of assistance to the workers:
1. Immediate payment of separation pay of 13 days per year of service
2. P5,000 assistance previously released by management will not be charged to the separation pay
3. Refund by management to workers of unremitted SSS payments since July 2008 and other similar benefits
4. Grant of P360,000 in employment assistance from the city government of Mandaue to workers who are residents of the town
5. Capitalization for a worker-owned and managed furniture-making cooperative from the Department of Labor
“In times of crisis, the workers will have to fight for every centavo that they deserve in wages, benefits and assistance. Workers should learn the lessons of our struggle. We will be treated like disposable rags and worn out machines by capitalists bent on passing the burden of the crisis on workers. Instead of meekly receiving what little they offer us, workers should fight with their heads up high for jobs and rights,” argued Eulito Fin Jr., vice president of NPMG.
Renato Magtubo, chairsperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), stated that the Giardini workers struggle can serve as a model of the “pro-labor bailout scheme” that the group is pushing for. “The Giardini model of militant struggle and workers assistance can be replicated wherever workers are victims of retrenchment and rotations,” he insisted.
PM is campaigning for a 5-point bailout package for workers and the poor that consist of (1) subsidy for displaced workers from the SSS, GSIS and OWWA; (2) tax refund for wage earners; (2) expansion and reform of the public employment program; (3) extension of health care coverage for displaced workers; and (5) moratorium on demolitions and evictions.
The labor dispute at Giardini del Sole started last January 5 when more than 300 Giardini workers held an impromptu protest at the factory gates upon learning that only 100 employees were allowed to work after returning from the holiday break. ###
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Church called on to intervene as Cebu strike enters second day
Press Release
February 4, 2009
The striking workers of the Giardini del Sole furniture factory in Mandaue City called on the Catholic bishops for support in pushing for their demand for work rotation instead of forced leave. The first ever strike against layoffs since the onset of the present crisis entered its second day today with operations at the factory still paralyzed as strikers maintained a roving picket.
“We appeal to CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP committee on public affairs head Bishop Deogracias Iniguez and Archdiocese of Manila social services ministry head Bishop Broderick Pabillo to speak for workers rights and displaced workers. We are giving the good bishops due notice that abusive employers are exploiting the crisis to subvert labor standards and workers rights,” stated Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), the union at the Giardini del Sole.
Renato Magtubo, chair of Partido ng Manggagawa, concurred with the criticism of the Giardini del Sole workers, saying that “Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Edgardo Lacson’s demand to reduce the number of holidays and remove the holiday premium is the signal fire in capital’s war against labor amidst the crisis. The employers will be using the global crisis as a sharp knife to tear to shreds the already tattered safety nets and labor standards that protect workers.”
The NPMG went on strike yesterday on the basis of union busting, alleging that management is using the impact of the crisis as an excuse to dismiss all union officers and members. “In several weeks of hearings at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, management maintained its hardline position against allowing union members to return to work on a job-sharing scheme,” Ginoo elaborated.
Eulito Fin Jr., vice president of NPMG, reiterated that “We are more than willing to lift the strike but only if as many workers as possible are allowed to return to work. We would like to work again at Giardini del Sole but only with our heads held up not bowed down.”
The CBCP bishops had last week expressed it support to the call for an employment summit to help address the problems of Filipino workers affected by the global crisis. Aside from appealing for support from the bishops, Fin also expressed his appreciation for the solidarity they have received. He asserted that “The messages of support, the contributions of food and the physical presence of fellow Cebuano workers sustain us in our fight. This is a struggle for all workers and we can win it only with the solidarity of the labor movement.”
February 4, 2009
The striking workers of the Giardini del Sole furniture factory in Mandaue City called on the Catholic bishops for support in pushing for their demand for work rotation instead of forced leave. The first ever strike against layoffs since the onset of the present crisis entered its second day today with operations at the factory still paralyzed as strikers maintained a roving picket.
“We appeal to CBCP president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP committee on public affairs head Bishop Deogracias Iniguez and Archdiocese of Manila social services ministry head Bishop Broderick Pabillo to speak for workers rights and displaced workers. We are giving the good bishops due notice that abusive employers are exploiting the crisis to subvert labor standards and workers rights,” stated Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), the union at the Giardini del Sole.
Renato Magtubo, chair of Partido ng Manggagawa, concurred with the criticism of the Giardini del Sole workers, saying that “Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Edgardo Lacson’s demand to reduce the number of holidays and remove the holiday premium is the signal fire in capital’s war against labor amidst the crisis. The employers will be using the global crisis as a sharp knife to tear to shreds the already tattered safety nets and labor standards that protect workers.”
The NPMG went on strike yesterday on the basis of union busting, alleging that management is using the impact of the crisis as an excuse to dismiss all union officers and members. “In several weeks of hearings at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, management maintained its hardline position against allowing union members to return to work on a job-sharing scheme,” Ginoo elaborated.
Eulito Fin Jr., vice president of NPMG, reiterated that “We are more than willing to lift the strike but only if as many workers as possible are allowed to return to work. We would like to work again at Giardini del Sole but only with our heads held up not bowed down.”
The CBCP bishops had last week expressed it support to the call for an employment summit to help address the problems of Filipino workers affected by the global crisis. Aside from appealing for support from the bishops, Fin also expressed his appreciation for the solidarity they have received. He asserted that “The messages of support, the contributions of food and the physical presence of fellow Cebuano workers sustain us in our fight. This is a struggle for all workers and we can win it only with the solidarity of the labor movement.”
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
First strike vs. layoffs erupts at Cebu
Press Release
February 3, 2009
In the first such case since the onset of the global crisis in the country, workers of a furniture exporting firm in Mandaue City went on strike against the massive layoffs and successfully paralyzed operations of the factory.
“After exhausting all avenues for conflict resolution for almost a whole month, we are forced to hold the strike in order to push for our demand that workers be able to continue their work and earn a living,” stated Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), the union at the Giardini del Sole. Giardini del Sole is one of the biggest furniture exporters in the country.
The strike started early morning of Tuesday with around a hundred workers of Giardini del Sole, and supporters coming from Partido ng Manggawa (PM) and other factories picketing the five gates of the factory. There was no violence and untoward incidents as the remaining non-union employees and even supervisors sympathized with the striking workers.
“This is a strike to preserve jobs. This is a struggle for our families’ right to live. This is a fight for the rights of all workers,” explained Eulito Fin Jr., vice president of NPMG.
In an expression of support, PM chair Renato Magtubo, said the strike at Giardini del Sole “is the first but will not be the last. We call on government to heed the workers demand for a bailout and subsidy. We warn capitalists against exploiting the crisis to undercut workers rights and labor standards.”
The union is demanding that management implement the agreement for work rotation instead of forced leave. The agreement was forged between the union and the management last January 8 at the National Concilliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) but the latter has since then reneged on its commitments. The union in response then filed a notice of strike last January 22 on the basis of union busting, alleging that management is using the impact of the crisis as an excuse to dismiss all union officers and members. The members of NPMG voted 70 for and none against holding a strike in the voting conducted last January 23.
“As a sign of management’s intransigence, they boycotted the meeting called yesterday by the NCMB in a last-minute bid to settle the dispute. This is consistent with their hardline position against allowing union members to return to work on a job-sharing scheme,” Fin elaborated.
The union also belied the claim of Mr. Boschi, the owner of Giardini del Sole, that he cannot allow the return of more workers since the firm is only wrapping up production on the remaining unfinished furniture. But Ginoo said even the media had seen that wood used as raw materials were still being delivered by trucks to the factory a week ago.
“We are more than willing to lift the strike but only if as many workers as possible are allowed to return to work. We would like to work again at Giardini del Sole but only with our heads held up not bowed down,” asserted Ginoo.
The union leader said the fight of Giardini workers is the fight of all workers. “We are asking for the solidarity of our fellow workers for we can only win this struggle with your support. We are also appealing for help from the local government of Mandaue for we are your constituents not this foreigner who harbors great disrespect to labor rights.”
The labor dispute at Giardini del Sole started last January 5 when more than 300 Giardini workers held an impromptu protest at the factory gates upon learning that only 100 employees were allowed to work after returning from the holiday break. That same afternoon, they marched to the NCMB office and after several days of protest, the union was able to clinch an agreement for work rotation, financial assistance, release of backwages, and for no compulsory terminations.
PM is pushing for a bailout and stimulus package for workers and the poor that includes the following: subsidy from SSS, GSIS and OWWA for workers who will be laid off due to the crisis; tax refund for all workers equivalent to two months wage; and reform and expansion of the public employment program for the unemployed.
February 3, 2009
In the first such case since the onset of the global crisis in the country, workers of a furniture exporting firm in Mandaue City went on strike against the massive layoffs and successfully paralyzed operations of the factory.
“After exhausting all avenues for conflict resolution for almost a whole month, we are forced to hold the strike in order to push for our demand that workers be able to continue their work and earn a living,” stated Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG), the union at the Giardini del Sole. Giardini del Sole is one of the biggest furniture exporters in the country.
The strike started early morning of Tuesday with around a hundred workers of Giardini del Sole, and supporters coming from Partido ng Manggawa (PM) and other factories picketing the five gates of the factory. There was no violence and untoward incidents as the remaining non-union employees and even supervisors sympathized with the striking workers.
“This is a strike to preserve jobs. This is a struggle for our families’ right to live. This is a fight for the rights of all workers,” explained Eulito Fin Jr., vice president of NPMG.
In an expression of support, PM chair Renato Magtubo, said the strike at Giardini del Sole “is the first but will not be the last. We call on government to heed the workers demand for a bailout and subsidy. We warn capitalists against exploiting the crisis to undercut workers rights and labor standards.”
The union is demanding that management implement the agreement for work rotation instead of forced leave. The agreement was forged between the union and the management last January 8 at the National Concilliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) but the latter has since then reneged on its commitments. The union in response then filed a notice of strike last January 22 on the basis of union busting, alleging that management is using the impact of the crisis as an excuse to dismiss all union officers and members. The members of NPMG voted 70 for and none against holding a strike in the voting conducted last January 23.
“As a sign of management’s intransigence, they boycotted the meeting called yesterday by the NCMB in a last-minute bid to settle the dispute. This is consistent with their hardline position against allowing union members to return to work on a job-sharing scheme,” Fin elaborated.
The union also belied the claim of Mr. Boschi, the owner of Giardini del Sole, that he cannot allow the return of more workers since the firm is only wrapping up production on the remaining unfinished furniture. But Ginoo said even the media had seen that wood used as raw materials were still being delivered by trucks to the factory a week ago.
“We are more than willing to lift the strike but only if as many workers as possible are allowed to return to work. We would like to work again at Giardini del Sole but only with our heads held up not bowed down,” asserted Ginoo.
The union leader said the fight of Giardini workers is the fight of all workers. “We are asking for the solidarity of our fellow workers for we can only win this struggle with your support. We are also appealing for help from the local government of Mandaue for we are your constituents not this foreigner who harbors great disrespect to labor rights.”
The labor dispute at Giardini del Sole started last January 5 when more than 300 Giardini workers held an impromptu protest at the factory gates upon learning that only 100 employees were allowed to work after returning from the holiday break. That same afternoon, they marched to the NCMB office and after several days of protest, the union was able to clinch an agreement for work rotation, financial assistance, release of backwages, and for no compulsory terminations.
PM is pushing for a bailout and stimulus package for workers and the poor that includes the following: subsidy from SSS, GSIS and OWWA for workers who will be laid off due to the crisis; tax refund for all workers equivalent to two months wage; and reform and expansion of the public employment program for the unemployed.
Timeline of the labor dispute at Giardini del Sole
November 17, 2008: Primitivo Ginoo (union president), Charlie Bantiles (treasurer) and Esmeralda Surban (secretary) are permanently dismissed
November 25: Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG) is formally registered as a legitimate labor organization and union of workers at the Giardini del Sole, Inc., one of the biggest furniture manufacturing and exporting companies in the country. The firm was established in 1986 by an Italian national named Boschi and exports to the US and Europe while producing also for the domestic market
December 5: Workers are given an early and month-long forced vacation and told to report for work again on January 5
January 5, 2009: The management of Giardini del Sole allows only 100 (none of them a union member) out of 400 workers to return to work after the holiday break. Around 300 workers hold an impromptu protest at the factory gates. In the afternoon they march to the NCMB office at Cebu and the union submits to preventive mediation
January 8: After several days of protest, an agreement is reached between the union and management. The agreement stipulates the following:
1. Establishment of a joint evaluation team that includes the union, management and the DOLE/NCMB to rotate work among as many of the workers as possible. The joint evaluation team will also monitor the company’s performance and recall the workers when demand picks up;
2. Granting of financial assistance of PhP 5,000 and one sack of rice per month for the duration of the temporary shutdown. It will be deductible from separation pay in case of permanent closure;
3. No worker will be terminated and only voluntary resignations will be accepted;
4. Release of backwages for the 2008 holiday pay equivalent to three days salary
January 14: The worker representative to the joint evaluation team walks out after two meetings since management does not recommend even a single name of an employee it is accepting for job rotation
January 22: NPMG files a notice of strike alleging union busting
January 23: NPMG members vote 70 for and none against holding a strike
January 26: Workers and the media monitor an Isuzu truck (plate number YCE 979) owned by supplier Green Peaks in Canduman, Mandaue City delivering 300 board feet of wood to the factory
January 27: Giardini del Sole workers lead a Lakbayan of displaced workers from Mandaue to the DOLE Region 7 office at Cebu City
February 2: Management of Giardini del Sole boycotts the meeting called by the NCMB to settle the labor dispute. It caps their hardline position in several weeks long of preventive mediation hearings against implementing the agreement on work rotation. It also illustrates the ineffectiveness of NCMB and DOLE in enforcing the agreement
February 3: NPMG goes on strike, gains sympathy of non-union workers and paralyzes operations of the export firm
February 4: Giardini del Sole’s operations remain paralyzed for the second straight day of the strike. Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes visits the picketline and expresses support for a resolution of the labor dispute. The Mayor calls for a negotiation between management and the union at the city hall
November 25: Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG) is formally registered as a legitimate labor organization and union of workers at the Giardini del Sole, Inc., one of the biggest furniture manufacturing and exporting companies in the country. The firm was established in 1986 by an Italian national named Boschi and exports to the US and Europe while producing also for the domestic market
December 5: Workers are given an early and month-long forced vacation and told to report for work again on January 5
January 5, 2009: The management of Giardini del Sole allows only 100 (none of them a union member) out of 400 workers to return to work after the holiday break. Around 300 workers hold an impromptu protest at the factory gates. In the afternoon they march to the NCMB office at Cebu and the union submits to preventive mediation
January 8: After several days of protest, an agreement is reached between the union and management. The agreement stipulates the following:
1. Establishment of a joint evaluation team that includes the union, management and the DOLE/NCMB to rotate work among as many of the workers as possible. The joint evaluation team will also monitor the company’s performance and recall the workers when demand picks up;
2. Granting of financial assistance of PhP 5,000 and one sack of rice per month for the duration of the temporary shutdown. It will be deductible from separation pay in case of permanent closure;
3. No worker will be terminated and only voluntary resignations will be accepted;
4. Release of backwages for the 2008 holiday pay equivalent to three days salary
January 14: The worker representative to the joint evaluation team walks out after two meetings since management does not recommend even a single name of an employee it is accepting for job rotation
January 22: NPMG files a notice of strike alleging union busting
January 23: NPMG members vote 70 for and none against holding a strike
January 26: Workers and the media monitor an Isuzu truck (plate number YCE 979) owned by supplier Green Peaks in Canduman, Mandaue City delivering 300 board feet of wood to the factory
January 27: Giardini del Sole workers lead a Lakbayan of displaced workers from Mandaue to the DOLE Region 7 office at Cebu City
February 2: Management of Giardini del Sole boycotts the meeting called by the NCMB to settle the labor dispute. It caps their hardline position in several weeks long of preventive mediation hearings against implementing the agreement on work rotation. It also illustrates the ineffectiveness of NCMB and DOLE in enforcing the agreement
February 3: NPMG goes on strike, gains sympathy of non-union workers and paralyzes operations of the export firm
February 4: Giardini del Sole’s operations remain paralyzed for the second straight day of the strike. Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes visits the picketline and expresses support for a resolution of the labor dispute. The Mayor calls for a negotiation between management and the union at the city hall
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cebu workers call for jobs summit, push for bailout for labor
Press Statement
January 22, 2009
In reaction to the statement by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF) on massive job losses, the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) called for a tripartite summit in Cebu to resolve the employment crisis. “In the jobs summit, labor will push for a bailout package for workers. The workers are not responsible for this global crisis and thus they should be made to bear the burden of the economic slowdown,” said PM-Cebu spokesperson Dennis Derige.
Meanwhile the labor dispute at the Giardini del Sole, one of the biggest furniture exporting firms in the country, escalated today with the union’s definitive filing of a notice of strike this morning at the NCMB Region VII office. The union will then hold a strike vote tomorrow in compliance with the 24 hour period required by law.
The workers of Giardini del Sole are questioning the timing of the CFIF declaration. Primitivo Ginoo, Jr. president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG) averred that “The furniture industry was curiously silent about the hemorrhage of jobs when we got into a debate with the Labor Department about the number of retrenched and rotated workers a few weeks ago. But now that we are on the threshold of a strike because of management’s intransigence in implementing the agreement to rotate work among as many workers as possible, they come to the rescue of Giardini’s owner by intimidating and threatening workers with the specter of massive joblessness.”
“We might believe in the good intentions of the CFIF if they censure Mr. Bosch since he did not follow their group’s proposal for owners to communicate with their workers about the real state of the company. Mr. Bosch surprised Giardini’s workers with a temporary shutdown last January 5 without due notice and then he is engaging in delaying tactics during meetings of the joint evaluation team for job rotation,” asserted Eulito Fin, Jr., vice president of NPMG.
The protest at the factory gates of Giardini del Sole continues as talks have broken down over management’s refusal to implement the work rotation scheme agreed upon two weeks ago at the NCMB. “The looming strike at Giardini is the herald of the labor unrest that will ensue from the loss of jobs and pay by workers. Government must heed the call for a bailout and stimulus for workers not capitalists,” insisted Derige.
The bailout package for workers being pushed by the PM includes a subsidy for displaced workers, tax refund for workers as an economic stimulus, and a reformed and expanded state employment program for the millions of unemployed Filipinos. “No retreat on labor standards, no surrender on workers rights,” declared Ginoo in reference to a possible call by management and government during a jobs summit for workers to sacrifice in the midst of the crisis.
January 22, 2009
In reaction to the statement by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF) on massive job losses, the Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) called for a tripartite summit in Cebu to resolve the employment crisis. “In the jobs summit, labor will push for a bailout package for workers. The workers are not responsible for this global crisis and thus they should be made to bear the burden of the economic slowdown,” said PM-Cebu spokesperson Dennis Derige.
Meanwhile the labor dispute at the Giardini del Sole, one of the biggest furniture exporting firms in the country, escalated today with the union’s definitive filing of a notice of strike this morning at the NCMB Region VII office. The union will then hold a strike vote tomorrow in compliance with the 24 hour period required by law.
The workers of Giardini del Sole are questioning the timing of the CFIF declaration. Primitivo Ginoo, Jr. president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini (NPMG) averred that “The furniture industry was curiously silent about the hemorrhage of jobs when we got into a debate with the Labor Department about the number of retrenched and rotated workers a few weeks ago. But now that we are on the threshold of a strike because of management’s intransigence in implementing the agreement to rotate work among as many workers as possible, they come to the rescue of Giardini’s owner by intimidating and threatening workers with the specter of massive joblessness.”
“We might believe in the good intentions of the CFIF if they censure Mr. Bosch since he did not follow their group’s proposal for owners to communicate with their workers about the real state of the company. Mr. Bosch surprised Giardini’s workers with a temporary shutdown last January 5 without due notice and then he is engaging in delaying tactics during meetings of the joint evaluation team for job rotation,” asserted Eulito Fin, Jr., vice president of NPMG.
The protest at the factory gates of Giardini del Sole continues as talks have broken down over management’s refusal to implement the work rotation scheme agreed upon two weeks ago at the NCMB. “The looming strike at Giardini is the herald of the labor unrest that will ensue from the loss of jobs and pay by workers. Government must heed the call for a bailout and stimulus for workers not capitalists,” insisted Derige.
The bailout package for workers being pushed by the PM includes a subsidy for displaced workers, tax refund for workers as an economic stimulus, and a reformed and expanded state employment program for the millions of unemployed Filipinos. “No retreat on labor standards, no surrender on workers rights,” declared Ginoo in reference to a possible call by management and government during a jobs summit for workers to sacrifice in the midst of the crisis.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Furniture workers renew protest amidst Sinulog festival
Press Release
January 15, 2009
Complaining of employer bad faith and delaying tactics in implementing the agreed work rotation scheme, workers of the Giardini del Sole, one of the country’s biggest furniture exporting companies, revived their protest today amidst the Sinulog festivities. The worker’s representative to the joint evaluation team walked out of the meeting yesterday after management did not even recommend a single name of an employee it is accepting for job rotation thus precipitating today’s renewed action at the factory gates.
“We ask the understanding of our fellow Cebuanos for we were forced by circumstances to hold our protests during Sinulog. But workers cannot be festive when we are jobless and our families are hungry,” appealed Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini.
About a hundred Giardini workers picketed the factory gates starting at 8 a.m. today as the union formally filed for a notice of strike. By lunch break, scores of workers from nearby establishments like Prince Warehouse, Cosonsa, Presidents Marine and displaced workers of Neostone joined them in solidarity. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., more workers from Keppel Shipyard, General Milling and Lami Foods arrived to support the mass action.
“Today’s protest is just a new beginning of the fight. Tomorrow, there will be a bigger rally. And the struggle will escalate next week until management delivers is part of the agreement,” explained Eulito Fin, Jr., vice president of Giardini union. The protesters want management to comply with the agreement to rotate work among as many workers as possible. Yesterday was the joint evaluation team’s second meeting and while some 60 workers continue production, none of the other 250 Giardini workers has been allowed to work despite last week’s agreement on job rotation.
Greg Janginon, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa-Cebu and president of the Prince Warehouse union, stated that “The fight of the Giardini workers is the fight of all Cebuano workers. Their struggle highlights the imperative of a bailout package for workers affected by the global crisis. Government, both national and local, must be proactive in assisting the thousands who have been displaced due to the crisis.”
“Government must reopen the factories that have shutdown in the past months and years, and keep those presently affected from closing shop. The state must confiscate the factories if necessary, infuse capital into production and assist workers in marketing. Or else it faces the prospects of deepening unrest as unemployment swells,” argued Desiderio Lastimoso, president of the Workers Organization of Lami Foods.
The bailout package for workers being pushed by the Partido ng Manggagawa includes a subsidy for displaced workers, tax refund for workers as an economic stimulus, and a reformed and expanded state employment program for the millions of unemployed Filipinos.
January 15, 2009
Complaining of employer bad faith and delaying tactics in implementing the agreed work rotation scheme, workers of the Giardini del Sole, one of the country’s biggest furniture exporting companies, revived their protest today amidst the Sinulog festivities. The worker’s representative to the joint evaluation team walked out of the meeting yesterday after management did not even recommend a single name of an employee it is accepting for job rotation thus precipitating today’s renewed action at the factory gates.
“We ask the understanding of our fellow Cebuanos for we were forced by circumstances to hold our protests during Sinulog. But workers cannot be festive when we are jobless and our families are hungry,” appealed Primitivo Ginoo, Jr., president of the Nagkahiusang Puwersa nga Mamumuo sa Giardini.
About a hundred Giardini workers picketed the factory gates starting at 8 a.m. today as the union formally filed for a notice of strike. By lunch break, scores of workers from nearby establishments like Prince Warehouse, Cosonsa, Presidents Marine and displaced workers of Neostone joined them in solidarity. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., more workers from Keppel Shipyard, General Milling and Lami Foods arrived to support the mass action.
“Today’s protest is just a new beginning of the fight. Tomorrow, there will be a bigger rally. And the struggle will escalate next week until management delivers is part of the agreement,” explained Eulito Fin, Jr., vice president of Giardini union. The protesters want management to comply with the agreement to rotate work among as many workers as possible. Yesterday was the joint evaluation team’s second meeting and while some 60 workers continue production, none of the other 250 Giardini workers has been allowed to work despite last week’s agreement on job rotation.
Greg Janginon, chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa-Cebu and president of the Prince Warehouse union, stated that “The fight of the Giardini workers is the fight of all Cebuano workers. Their struggle highlights the imperative of a bailout package for workers affected by the global crisis. Government, both national and local, must be proactive in assisting the thousands who have been displaced due to the crisis.”
“Government must reopen the factories that have shutdown in the past months and years, and keep those presently affected from closing shop. The state must confiscate the factories if necessary, infuse capital into production and assist workers in marketing. Or else it faces the prospects of deepening unrest as unemployment swells,” argued Desiderio Lastimoso, president of the Workers Organization of Lami Foods.
The bailout package for workers being pushed by the Partido ng Manggagawa includes a subsidy for displaced workers, tax refund for workers as an economic stimulus, and a reformed and expanded state employment program for the millions of unemployed Filipinos.
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