PRESS RELEASE
28 February 2010
She may have antagonized the Church for distributing condoms during the Valentine’s Day celebration but Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral’s effort to provide condoms to Filipinos got the support of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM).
The group is in fact urging the DoH now to make the effort of distributing artificial contraceptives not as a PR gimmick but as a permanent program and done on a “large-scale” to enable men and women, especially the poor, to have access to reproductive health services.
“The DoH should provide the Filipino people, especially the poorer sections of the populations, condoms and other artificial contraceptive on a more regular basis through Barangay Health Centers, at the least. And that distribution should go hand in hand with educational discussions on the use of contraceptive in relation to the spread of HIV-AIDS, spacing of children, unwanted pregnancies, teen-aged pregnancies, among others,” said Partido ng Manggagawa secretary general Judy Ann Miranda.
Miranda added that aside from providing contraception, the health department should embark on a nationwide education program in all barangays so that women and men learn the many facets of the usually ignored issues and concerns on HIV-AIDS, teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies, child spacing, family planning, etc.
“The government, through the health department, should address the unmet need for effective contraception amongst women, especially poor women,” said Miranda, explaining that reproductive health is a primary concern of individual women yet her choice has always been challenged by institutions based on moral standards.
Contrary to the Catholic Church’s pronouncements that this is a “moral” issue, Ms Miranda said that, “The distribution of condom to address spread of HIV-AIDS is not a moral issue. It is rather a reproductive health concern that should be practically addressed through widespread education and provision of appropriate social services.”
According to “The Incidence of Induced Abortion in the Philippines: Current Level and Recent Trends” by Fatima Juarez, Josefina Cabigon, Susheeia Singh and Rubina Hussain, published by Guttmacher Institute, New York, 2005 “one of every two married women did not want a child soon or wanted no more children, but were not using a contraceptive method.”
“This only means that women and men would actually want to reduce the number of children but do not have the means to do so. In poorer communities, one condom would amount to a pack of noodles. To countless half-starved families, food would definitely come first than safe sex,” Miranda further explained.
The labor partylist group has been supporting the struggle for the passage of the reproductive health bill which promotes active government role in providing reproductive health care and education among women and men, including the use of artificial contraceptives.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Militants win PAL union elections, vow to fight spinoff
Press Release
February 27, 2010
Militants won a landslide victory in the elections for the Philippine Airlines (PAL) ground crew union, 12 years after the controversial moratorium in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of 1998. Campaigning on a platform of defending job security, the militants will immediately face a challenge as PAL reportedly plans to spinoff departments and layoff employees this coming April.
“After 12 long years, PAL employees again have a union that will protect their rights and welfare, including job security,” exclaimed Gerry Rivera, who will assume on March 29 the position of president of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA), which is one of the biggest unions in the country with about 4,000 members.
Members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) won the top three national union positions and their local party called Sulong PALEANS cornered 13 of the 21-member union board. The elections were held last Thursday, February 25, but the ballots were only finally tallied last night with the winners proclaimed by the union Comelec and DOLE-NCR representatives.
Rivera is also vice chairperson of PM and has been a nominee of the group in the past party-list elections. He was vice president of PALEA during the PAL strike of 1998 which was arguably the biggest labor dispute of the 90’s. After owner Lucio Tan temporarily shutdown PAL, PAL employees were forced to agree to a 10-year CBA moratorium that has been extended twice since 2008.
The fight against spinoff and outsourcing will be a key task of the incoming union leadership according to Rivera. September of last year, PAL management announced that it will outsource passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo handling and catering by November that will result in the layoff of at least 2,000 PAL employees. Rivera’s Sulong PALEANS led protests by PAL employees that temporarily shelved the plan.
Rivera also revealed that PALEA will now insist on negotiations for a new CBA. “Through the CBA, we will ensure that security of tenure is guaranteed. No spinoff or layoff must happen if the union does not agree,” he explained.
“Contractualization is a virus that has ravaged the workers, depriving them of security of tenure, decent wages and benefits. If PAL employees are successful in resisting management’s drive to outsource work, then hopefully we can help reverse the epidemic of contractualization. The defeat of the 1998 PALEA strike and the 10-year moratorium opened a period of retreat for the labor movement. But a victorious fight against spinoff and layoff in PAL can be a turning point in the revival of working class struggles for job security,” stated Rivera.
February 27, 2010
Militants won a landslide victory in the elections for the Philippine Airlines (PAL) ground crew union, 12 years after the controversial moratorium in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of 1998. Campaigning on a platform of defending job security, the militants will immediately face a challenge as PAL reportedly plans to spinoff departments and layoff employees this coming April.
“After 12 long years, PAL employees again have a union that will protect their rights and welfare, including job security,” exclaimed Gerry Rivera, who will assume on March 29 the position of president of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA), which is one of the biggest unions in the country with about 4,000 members.
Members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) won the top three national union positions and their local party called Sulong PALEANS cornered 13 of the 21-member union board. The elections were held last Thursday, February 25, but the ballots were only finally tallied last night with the winners proclaimed by the union Comelec and DOLE-NCR representatives.
Rivera is also vice chairperson of PM and has been a nominee of the group in the past party-list elections. He was vice president of PALEA during the PAL strike of 1998 which was arguably the biggest labor dispute of the 90’s. After owner Lucio Tan temporarily shutdown PAL, PAL employees were forced to agree to a 10-year CBA moratorium that has been extended twice since 2008.
The fight against spinoff and outsourcing will be a key task of the incoming union leadership according to Rivera. September of last year, PAL management announced that it will outsource passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo handling and catering by November that will result in the layoff of at least 2,000 PAL employees. Rivera’s Sulong PALEANS led protests by PAL employees that temporarily shelved the plan.
Rivera also revealed that PALEA will now insist on negotiations for a new CBA. “Through the CBA, we will ensure that security of tenure is guaranteed. No spinoff or layoff must happen if the union does not agree,” he explained.
“Contractualization is a virus that has ravaged the workers, depriving them of security of tenure, decent wages and benefits. If PAL employees are successful in resisting management’s drive to outsource work, then hopefully we can help reverse the epidemic of contractualization. The defeat of the 1998 PALEA strike and the 10-year moratorium opened a period of retreat for the labor movement. But a victorious fight against spinoff and layoff in PAL can be a turning point in the revival of working class struggles for job security,” stated Rivera.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Arroyos, Reyes and other party-list intruders to face disqualification cases from genuine party-list groups
PRESS RELEASE
Partido ng Manggagawa
25 February 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) today said Mikey Arroyo, energy secretary Angelo Reyes and other party-list intruders will face tons of disqualification cases before the courts once their names appear in the list of party-list nominees after the March 26 deadline.
The group said the template is ready for such cases since unlike before, the latest Supreme Court ruling on the party-list matter made it mandatory to publish the names of party-list nominees.
“Surely the list shall bare the Empress and her men’s new party-list clothes,” said PM Chair Renato Magtubo.
Reyes is reportedly one of the nominees of the party-list group 1-UTAK, while Mikey is preparing to make a ride on at least five party-list groups who are eyeing him as nominee. The Office of External Affairs of Malacanang and the administration party reportedly have organized several groups either as sectoral or regional parties to compete in the party-list system
PM on the other hand is preparing a watch-list of groups and persons identified with Malacanang to warn the public of the President’s impending take-over of the House of Representatives.
The group insists that these bogus party-list groups are mere part of the bigger plot to extend the regime of plunder and failed governance.
PM said Mikey Arroyo and Angie Reyes, aside from being patently not marginalized, are examples of failed governance specifically in the power industry with the people still reeling from the most expensive power rates in the world and facing yet another power crisis in the near future. Arroyo chairs the energy committee in the House while Reyes heads the DOE.
Further, as a union leader and former party-list representative, Magtubo said the mockery of the party-list system by the same persons who benefited much from the people power uprisings is one of the biggest absurdities of this post-Edsa democracy that the country is celebrating today.
“The 1987 Constitution gave us, the real marginalized sectors, token representation of 20% in Congress. Not only were the elite powers made it hard for the real majority like us to be represented in Congress. Now the Arroyo clique even craves to raid the two-cents that the marginalized hardly ever had,” added Magtubo.
The group claims that the raiding of the party-list system by the Arroyo clique started in 2004 with the entry of palace-back party-list groups and became very pronounced in 2007 with an Arroyo having been elected representative of the party-list group Kasangga.
Partido ng Manggagawa
25 February 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) today said Mikey Arroyo, energy secretary Angelo Reyes and other party-list intruders will face tons of disqualification cases before the courts once their names appear in the list of party-list nominees after the March 26 deadline.
The group said the template is ready for such cases since unlike before, the latest Supreme Court ruling on the party-list matter made it mandatory to publish the names of party-list nominees.
“Surely the list shall bare the Empress and her men’s new party-list clothes,” said PM Chair Renato Magtubo.
Reyes is reportedly one of the nominees of the party-list group 1-UTAK, while Mikey is preparing to make a ride on at least five party-list groups who are eyeing him as nominee. The Office of External Affairs of Malacanang and the administration party reportedly have organized several groups either as sectoral or regional parties to compete in the party-list system
PM on the other hand is preparing a watch-list of groups and persons identified with Malacanang to warn the public of the President’s impending take-over of the House of Representatives.
The group insists that these bogus party-list groups are mere part of the bigger plot to extend the regime of plunder and failed governance.
PM said Mikey Arroyo and Angie Reyes, aside from being patently not marginalized, are examples of failed governance specifically in the power industry with the people still reeling from the most expensive power rates in the world and facing yet another power crisis in the near future. Arroyo chairs the energy committee in the House while Reyes heads the DOE.
Further, as a union leader and former party-list representative, Magtubo said the mockery of the party-list system by the same persons who benefited much from the people power uprisings is one of the biggest absurdities of this post-Edsa democracy that the country is celebrating today.
“The 1987 Constitution gave us, the real marginalized sectors, token representation of 20% in Congress. Not only were the elite powers made it hard for the real majority like us to be represented in Congress. Now the Arroyo clique even craves to raid the two-cents that the marginalized hardly ever had,” added Magtubo.
The group claims that the raiding of the party-list system by the Arroyo clique started in 2004 with the entry of palace-back party-list groups and became very pronounced in 2007 with an Arroyo having been elected representative of the party-list group Kasangga.
Demolition in Parañaque resisted by residents, slammed as illegal
Press Release
February 25, 2010
For two straight days last Tuesday and yesterday, attempts to demolish a community in Parañaque were resisted by informal settlers fighting behind makeshift barricades. The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and an urban poor group condemned as illegal the demolition of the Palasan community along Sucat Road in Paranaque as they vowed to continue with the series of protests against evictions.
“There is no order of demolition with a writ of execution for the Palasan community thus the demolition is illegal. The landgrabber claiming Palasan only has a writ of possession which falls short of the right to demolish so-called illegal structures,” explained Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, a coalition of urban poor organizations in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
The Palasan residents suspect that El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde is behind the demolition. In yesterday’s demolition, the police we seen talking to somebody in a car known to be Velarde’s. Palasan is right beside the Amvel subdivision of Velarde.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, stated that “We demand a ban on demolitions, evictions and foreclosures for the duration of economic crisis. As long as the government cannot provide affordable and safe housing for the homeless then it has to refrain from depriving the poor not just of their homes but of their livelihoods by demolishing their communities.”
Minor injuries were sustained by residents who engaged in a pushing and pulling match with the demolition crew and Parañaque police. One resident was arrested but managed to escape with handcuffs still on him.
The ban on demolitions and the demand for affordable housing are part of the “Apat na Dapat” election platform of PM which is running for Congress via the party-list system. The other planks of “Apat na Dapat” platform are regular jobs, a living wage, and health care coverage for both employed and unemployed.
Thursday last week, PM members and AMP affiliates in Parañaque marched on the city hall in a violence marred protest in which a mediaman died. Another rally at the Parañaque city hall was held last Monday which ended in a dialogue with Mayor Florencio Bernabe. No agreement to the Palasan dispute and to the demolition ban was arrived at in the dialogue.
Around 100 families live in the Palasan community which consists of approximately one hectare of an untitled property whose owner died without heirs. Palasan residents were allowed by the previous owner to settle in the undeveloped lot but are now being evicted by what they allege as a dummy of Velarde.
February 25, 2010
For two straight days last Tuesday and yesterday, attempts to demolish a community in Parañaque were resisted by informal settlers fighting behind makeshift barricades. The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) and an urban poor group condemned as illegal the demolition of the Palasan community along Sucat Road in Paranaque as they vowed to continue with the series of protests against evictions.
“There is no order of demolition with a writ of execution for the Palasan community thus the demolition is illegal. The landgrabber claiming Palasan only has a writ of possession which falls short of the right to demolish so-called illegal structures,” explained Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino, a coalition of urban poor organizations in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
The Palasan residents suspect that El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde is behind the demolition. In yesterday’s demolition, the police we seen talking to somebody in a car known to be Velarde’s. Palasan is right beside the Amvel subdivision of Velarde.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, stated that “We demand a ban on demolitions, evictions and foreclosures for the duration of economic crisis. As long as the government cannot provide affordable and safe housing for the homeless then it has to refrain from depriving the poor not just of their homes but of their livelihoods by demolishing their communities.”
Minor injuries were sustained by residents who engaged in a pushing and pulling match with the demolition crew and Parañaque police. One resident was arrested but managed to escape with handcuffs still on him.
The ban on demolitions and the demand for affordable housing are part of the “Apat na Dapat” election platform of PM which is running for Congress via the party-list system. The other planks of “Apat na Dapat” platform are regular jobs, a living wage, and health care coverage for both employed and unemployed.
Thursday last week, PM members and AMP affiliates in Parañaque marched on the city hall in a violence marred protest in which a mediaman died. Another rally at the Parañaque city hall was held last Monday which ended in a dialogue with Mayor Florencio Bernabe. No agreement to the Palasan dispute and to the demolition ban was arrived at in the dialogue.
Around 100 families live in the Palasan community which consists of approximately one hectare of an untitled property whose owner died without heirs. Palasan residents were allowed by the previous owner to settle in the undeveloped lot but are now being evicted by what they allege as a dummy of Velarde.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Alta Mode workers bring case to tripartite industrial council
Press Release
February 24, 2010
Representatives of the displaced workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, and the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) attended the meeting of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Lapu-Lapu City. The TIPC was called for the sole purpose of discussing the labor dispute at Alta Mode.
“We bring our case to the TIPC since it is another venue by which to seek a resolution of the dispute between Alta Mode management and its workers. Our demands are reasonable while it is management that is intransigent. So we face the tripartite council which includes representatives of employers and government with clean hands,” declared Renante Peliño, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
Accompanying Peliño was Dennis Derige, spokesperson of PM-Cebu, who added that “We will explain to the tripartite council that Alta Mode’s own financial statements for the years 2007 and 2008 disprove its claims of financial losses. According to the analysis of the legal of counsel of AMWU, Alta Mode is in good financial health since its total equity in positive despite reported losses in 2008.”
Meanwhile Ashley Acedillo, Magdalo congressional candidate for the north district of Cebu City, sent the embattled Alta Mode workers a statement of support. In his written message, Acedillo stated that “The threatened closure of Alta Mode, Inc. allegedly for financial loss has put in peril you, our workers, and this concerns me… I call on Alta Mode Inc. to hear your demands and give it the utmost consideration.”
Acedillo’s solidarity comes on the heels of a snowball of support from fellow workers in Cebu and also from distinguished Cebuanos like Dodong Nemenzo, former president of the University of the Philippines, who attended the solidarity activity for Alta Mode last Monday evening.
This coming Friday, the MEZ administration has asked the Alta Mode management and AMWU to a meeting. The meeting was a result of a letter sent by AMWU to the MEZ administration calling for its intervention. In the letter, AMWU appealed to MEZ administration not to give clearance to Alta Mode given the pendency of the labor dispute.
AMWU has a pending notice of strike at Department of Labor and Employment. In a strike vote held more than a week ago, AMWU members voted 86 for and only one against with five absent members unable to cast their positions.
February 24, 2010
Representatives of the displaced workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, and the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) attended the meeting of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) of Lapu-Lapu City. The TIPC was called for the sole purpose of discussing the labor dispute at Alta Mode.
“We bring our case to the TIPC since it is another venue by which to seek a resolution of the dispute between Alta Mode management and its workers. Our demands are reasonable while it is management that is intransigent. So we face the tripartite council which includes representatives of employers and government with clean hands,” declared Renante Peliño, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
Accompanying Peliño was Dennis Derige, spokesperson of PM-Cebu, who added that “We will explain to the tripartite council that Alta Mode’s own financial statements for the years 2007 and 2008 disprove its claims of financial losses. According to the analysis of the legal of counsel of AMWU, Alta Mode is in good financial health since its total equity in positive despite reported losses in 2008.”
Meanwhile Ashley Acedillo, Magdalo congressional candidate for the north district of Cebu City, sent the embattled Alta Mode workers a statement of support. In his written message, Acedillo stated that “The threatened closure of Alta Mode, Inc. allegedly for financial loss has put in peril you, our workers, and this concerns me… I call on Alta Mode Inc. to hear your demands and give it the utmost consideration.”
Acedillo’s solidarity comes on the heels of a snowball of support from fellow workers in Cebu and also from distinguished Cebuanos like Dodong Nemenzo, former president of the University of the Philippines, who attended the solidarity activity for Alta Mode last Monday evening.
This coming Friday, the MEZ administration has asked the Alta Mode management and AMWU to a meeting. The meeting was a result of a letter sent by AMWU to the MEZ administration calling for its intervention. In the letter, AMWU appealed to MEZ administration not to give clearance to Alta Mode given the pendency of the labor dispute.
AMWU has a pending notice of strike at Department of Labor and Employment. In a strike vote held more than a week ago, AMWU members voted 86 for and only one against with five absent members unable to cast their positions.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Solidarity Message of Ashley Acedillo to Alta Mode Workers
Sa lahat ng mga manggagawa sa Alta Mode Workers Union:
Greetings of peace!
The threatened closure of Alta Mode, Inc. allegedly for financial loss has put in peril you, our workers, at ito’y aking ipinag-aalala. Ipinapaalam ko sa inyo, bilang isa ring Cebuano, na nakikiisa ako sa inyong pakikibaka!
Hindi lang dahil tumatakbo ako bilang Kongresista para sa north district ng Cebu City, kundi dahil layon din nating dalhin ang mga kahilingan ng ating mga manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng legislation doon sa Kamara.
Nananawagan ako sa inyong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang panawagang makipag-dialogue sa Alta Mode management at hanapan ng maayos na solusyon itong ating deadlock ngayon. Ipagpatuloy din ninyo ang panawagan na makamit ninyo ang mabuti-buting kondisyon sa trabaho. Nananawagan din ako sa Alta Mode, Inc. na dinggin nila ang inyong mga kahilingan at bigyan ito ng kaukulang pansin.
I will pray for all of you, and I hope that God sustain you in your efforts to advance the cause of labor, and advance the rights and welfare of the Alta Mode Workers Union.
Mabuhay ang ating mga manggagawa!
Ashley Acedillo
Magdalo congressional candidate for north district, Cebu City
Greetings of peace!
The threatened closure of Alta Mode, Inc. allegedly for financial loss has put in peril you, our workers, at ito’y aking ipinag-aalala. Ipinapaalam ko sa inyo, bilang isa ring Cebuano, na nakikiisa ako sa inyong pakikibaka!
Hindi lang dahil tumatakbo ako bilang Kongresista para sa north district ng Cebu City, kundi dahil layon din nating dalhin ang mga kahilingan ng ating mga manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng legislation doon sa Kamara.
Nananawagan ako sa inyong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang panawagang makipag-dialogue sa Alta Mode management at hanapan ng maayos na solusyon itong ating deadlock ngayon. Ipagpatuloy din ninyo ang panawagan na makamit ninyo ang mabuti-buting kondisyon sa trabaho. Nananawagan din ako sa Alta Mode, Inc. na dinggin nila ang inyong mga kahilingan at bigyan ito ng kaukulang pansin.
I will pray for all of you, and I hope that God sustain you in your efforts to advance the cause of labor, and advance the rights and welfare of the Alta Mode Workers Union.
Mabuhay ang ating mga manggagawa!
Ashley Acedillo
Magdalo congressional candidate for north district, Cebu City
Appeal for Solidarity for the Alta Mode Workers Struggle
The embattled workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, are appealing for support and solidarity from fellow workers, the broad public and even concerned candidates running in the elections.
Since February 15, 2010, they have protested outside the main gates of the MEZ II, one of the biggest export zones in the Philippines, after they were refused entry and not allowed to go to work. The following day, they set up camp at the MEZ gates in order to oblige the Alta Mode management to dialogue with the union. But the very next day, security guards of Acoland, lessor of the MEZ II, tried unsuccessfully to force them out of the export zone that is built on privately-owned land.
AMWU is demanding that they return to work and for management to establish to the workers the alleged financial losses of the company. The workers though have proof through Alta Mode’s own financial statements for years 2007 to 2008 that management’s claims of monetary losses are lies. AMWU accuses the company of closing the factory in order to bust the union.
This is the reason management adamantly refuses to hold a dialogue with the workers about the supposed losses. All the workers have received was a written notice about the closure. Since the picket line was set up, no one from Alta Mode management has faced the workers. Management even boycotted the mediation hearings called by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The fight of the Alta Mode workers is a struggle for job security and workers rights. Since labor unrest broke out at Alta Mode around a year ago, workers have struggled over illegal shutdowns, erratic working days and inhuman production quota.
After workers organized in order to protect their welfare, management has interfered in the exercise of the right to unionize with aim of defeating union certification. On the day of union certification elections in September of 2009, management put all union members on forced leave. The DOLE colluded with management by counting the votes of supervisory and contractual workers who are not part of the bargaining unit. No union has survived in the three decades-long history of the MEZ, indirect proof of the unwritten no union, no strike policy of export zones.
Alta Mode is just another graphic example of capitalists using the global recession as an excuse to demolish labor rights and undercut workers welfare. Since the start of the global crisis, workers unrest has erupted in MEZ over illegal closures, mass layoffs, reduced hours, wage cuts, standards violations and labor repression.
Furthermore the Alta Mode case highlights the issues of the implementation of constitutional guaranteed labor rights inside export zones and industrial estates. The right to assemble and the freedom of expression—not to speak of the right to strike—are effectively suppressed inside export zones and industrial estates since the right to private property takes precedence inside these gated complexes.
Finally Alta Mode illustrates the injustice for workers in the global supply chain of multinational corporations. The corporate social responsibility of global apparel brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch hides the ugly reality of sweatshop conditions founded on the cheap and docile labor of workers in countries such as the Philippines. Multinational corporations rake in the profits through layers of contracting and subcontracting schemes with their global suppliers while workers suffer in both North and South countries.
Renante Peliño Renato Magtubo
President National Chairperson
Alta Mode Workers Union Partido ng Manggagawa [Labor Party-Philippines]
Since February 15, 2010, they have protested outside the main gates of the MEZ II, one of the biggest export zones in the Philippines, after they were refused entry and not allowed to go to work. The following day, they set up camp at the MEZ gates in order to oblige the Alta Mode management to dialogue with the union. But the very next day, security guards of Acoland, lessor of the MEZ II, tried unsuccessfully to force them out of the export zone that is built on privately-owned land.
AMWU is demanding that they return to work and for management to establish to the workers the alleged financial losses of the company. The workers though have proof through Alta Mode’s own financial statements for years 2007 to 2008 that management’s claims of monetary losses are lies. AMWU accuses the company of closing the factory in order to bust the union.
This is the reason management adamantly refuses to hold a dialogue with the workers about the supposed losses. All the workers have received was a written notice about the closure. Since the picket line was set up, no one from Alta Mode management has faced the workers. Management even boycotted the mediation hearings called by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The fight of the Alta Mode workers is a struggle for job security and workers rights. Since labor unrest broke out at Alta Mode around a year ago, workers have struggled over illegal shutdowns, erratic working days and inhuman production quota.
After workers organized in order to protect their welfare, management has interfered in the exercise of the right to unionize with aim of defeating union certification. On the day of union certification elections in September of 2009, management put all union members on forced leave. The DOLE colluded with management by counting the votes of supervisory and contractual workers who are not part of the bargaining unit. No union has survived in the three decades-long history of the MEZ, indirect proof of the unwritten no union, no strike policy of export zones.
Alta Mode is just another graphic example of capitalists using the global recession as an excuse to demolish labor rights and undercut workers welfare. Since the start of the global crisis, workers unrest has erupted in MEZ over illegal closures, mass layoffs, reduced hours, wage cuts, standards violations and labor repression.
Furthermore the Alta Mode case highlights the issues of the implementation of constitutional guaranteed labor rights inside export zones and industrial estates. The right to assemble and the freedom of expression—not to speak of the right to strike—are effectively suppressed inside export zones and industrial estates since the right to private property takes precedence inside these gated complexes.
Finally Alta Mode illustrates the injustice for workers in the global supply chain of multinational corporations. The corporate social responsibility of global apparel brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch hides the ugly reality of sweatshop conditions founded on the cheap and docile labor of workers in countries such as the Philippines. Multinational corporations rake in the profits through layers of contracting and subcontracting schemes with their global suppliers while workers suffer in both North and South countries.
Renante Peliño Renato Magtubo
President National Chairperson
Alta Mode Workers Union Partido ng Manggagawa [Labor Party-Philippines]
Labor party calls on government to address wanton violation of labor standards in Global Steel
PRESS RELEASE
Partido ng Manggagawa-Iligan
23 February 2010
Labor party calls on government to address wanton violation of labor standards in Global Steel
Iligan City – A labor partylist group, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), throws its support to a weeklong wildcat strike resorted to by workers at the Global Steel Philippines, Incorporated (GSPI).
According to Demy Plando, a member and legal counsel of PM’s Iligan-Lanao Del Norte chapter, the wildcat strike was a legitimate response by the Global Steel workers whose working conditions were stretched to the limits by their insensitive employer.
“Working under such conditions of unpaid salaries, non-payment of 13th month pay benefits, non-remittance of SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig premiums, non-payment of overtime premium, and non-compliance of safety and environmental standards is no doubt revolting and thus the right to concerted action is a legitimate weapon workers can resort to defend their constitutionally-guaranteed rights,” said Plando.
Plando is a former employee and union officer of the defunct National Steel Corporation (NSC). He is now a lawyer and is running for the City Council of Iligan.
The GSPI workers went on a wildcat strike last February 15, right after a mediation meeting between the union and management collapsed over issues of non-compliance to CBA, unpaid wages and benefits, non-payment of overtime premiums, and safety concerns, among others, which constitute gross violations of existing labor laws.
The labor group argued that in this case it is the duty of the State to side with the workers and refrain from playing a neutral role in this case, invoking the principle of primacy of labor over capital that is enshrined in the Constitution.
“The government has reasons to invite foreign investors into the country but it also has the primary duty to protect labor and in no instance submit them to an 18th century type of capitalist exploitation,” stressed Plando.
The GSPI used to be the National Steel Corporation (NSC). The company is now owned by of the Global Steel Holdings Co. of the Mittal family in India.
Global Steel Labor Union President Elmer Nelson V. Nayon said the Indian company is flagrantly violating Philippine labor and economic laws since it took over in 2004 on the pretext of alleged liquidity problems and profitability issues by the abusive Indian investors in collaboration with corrupt government officials.
The Partido ng Manggagawa warns the GSPI management not to resort to any retaliatory action against its striking workers or else they face the wrath of the whole community of Iligan who value labor rights much as well as safety and environmental standards.
Partido ng Manggagawa-Iligan
23 February 2010
Labor party calls on government to address wanton violation of labor standards in Global Steel
Iligan City – A labor partylist group, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), throws its support to a weeklong wildcat strike resorted to by workers at the Global Steel Philippines, Incorporated (GSPI).
According to Demy Plando, a member and legal counsel of PM’s Iligan-Lanao Del Norte chapter, the wildcat strike was a legitimate response by the Global Steel workers whose working conditions were stretched to the limits by their insensitive employer.
“Working under such conditions of unpaid salaries, non-payment of 13th month pay benefits, non-remittance of SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-ibig premiums, non-payment of overtime premium, and non-compliance of safety and environmental standards is no doubt revolting and thus the right to concerted action is a legitimate weapon workers can resort to defend their constitutionally-guaranteed rights,” said Plando.
Plando is a former employee and union officer of the defunct National Steel Corporation (NSC). He is now a lawyer and is running for the City Council of Iligan.
The GSPI workers went on a wildcat strike last February 15, right after a mediation meeting between the union and management collapsed over issues of non-compliance to CBA, unpaid wages and benefits, non-payment of overtime premiums, and safety concerns, among others, which constitute gross violations of existing labor laws.
The labor group argued that in this case it is the duty of the State to side with the workers and refrain from playing a neutral role in this case, invoking the principle of primacy of labor over capital that is enshrined in the Constitution.
“The government has reasons to invite foreign investors into the country but it also has the primary duty to protect labor and in no instance submit them to an 18th century type of capitalist exploitation,” stressed Plando.
The GSPI used to be the National Steel Corporation (NSC). The company is now owned by of the Global Steel Holdings Co. of the Mittal family in India.
Global Steel Labor Union President Elmer Nelson V. Nayon said the Indian company is flagrantly violating Philippine labor and economic laws since it took over in 2004 on the pretext of alleged liquidity problems and profitability issues by the abusive Indian investors in collaboration with corrupt government officials.
The Partido ng Manggagawa warns the GSPI management not to resort to any retaliatory action against its striking workers or else they face the wrath of the whole community of Iligan who value labor rights much as well as safety and environmental standards.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Workers commemorate Edsa anniversary with solidarity rally at MEZ
Press Release
February 22, 2010
Cebuano workers commemorated the anniversary of the Edsa 1 uprising with a mobilization in solidarity with the embattled union of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch. Different labor unions and workers associations will converge at the main gates of MEZ II where the members of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU) have set up a camp out since Monday last week.
“In the period of the global recession, the spirit of Edsa is expressed as labor power not just people power. In the era of the crisis of globalization, the next Edsa uprising must aim at instituting workers democracy not just elite democracy,” explained Greg Janginon, Partido ng Manggagawa-Cebu chairperson.
Some 200 workers will assemble at the MEZ gates for a solidarity program that will last from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The highlight of the program is the signing of a “covenant of support” for the Alta Mode workers. The labor unions of General Milling Corp., Prince Warehouse, Lami Foods, Neostone, and the workers associations of Paul Yu Industrial Corp. and KH will attend.
Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo, a Cebuano and former University of Philippines president, will attend the solidarity program. Ashley Acedillo, Magdalo leader and congressional candidate for the north district of Cebu City, will send a statement of solidarity for the Alta Mode workers struggle. PM and the Magdalo group have a history of collaboration for people’s issues and in the present elections the labor party-list is endorsing the candidacy of Danny Lim for senator aside from Acedillo for congressman.
“We call on the export zone workers to come and join the solidarity program. The fight of the Alta Mode workers for job security and workers rights is the fight of all export zone workers,” declared Renante Peliño, AMWU president.
Since Monday, February 15, 2010, AMWU has protested outside the main gates of the MEZ II after workers were refused entry and not allowed to go to work. The following day, they set up camp at the MEZ gates in order to oblige the Alta Mode management to dialogue with the union. But the very next day, security guards of Acoland, lessor of the MEZ II, tried unsuccessfully to force them out of the export zone.
“Management does not want to face the workers because it will lose face since the financial statement it submitted to the Labor Department reveals that it is not losing,” asserted Peliño.
Alta Mode management has refused to dialogue with the workers and has boycotted the two mediation meetings called by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board last week. Meanwhile none of the 91 members of AMWU have accepted the separation package being offered by management.
February 22, 2010
Cebuano workers commemorated the anniversary of the Edsa 1 uprising with a mobilization in solidarity with the embattled union of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch. Different labor unions and workers associations will converge at the main gates of MEZ II where the members of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU) have set up a camp out since Monday last week.
“In the period of the global recession, the spirit of Edsa is expressed as labor power not just people power. In the era of the crisis of globalization, the next Edsa uprising must aim at instituting workers democracy not just elite democracy,” explained Greg Janginon, Partido ng Manggagawa-Cebu chairperson.
Some 200 workers will assemble at the MEZ gates for a solidarity program that will last from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The highlight of the program is the signing of a “covenant of support” for the Alta Mode workers. The labor unions of General Milling Corp., Prince Warehouse, Lami Foods, Neostone, and the workers associations of Paul Yu Industrial Corp. and KH will attend.
Francisco “Dodong” Nemenzo, a Cebuano and former University of Philippines president, will attend the solidarity program. Ashley Acedillo, Magdalo leader and congressional candidate for the north district of Cebu City, will send a statement of solidarity for the Alta Mode workers struggle. PM and the Magdalo group have a history of collaboration for people’s issues and in the present elections the labor party-list is endorsing the candidacy of Danny Lim for senator aside from Acedillo for congressman.
“We call on the export zone workers to come and join the solidarity program. The fight of the Alta Mode workers for job security and workers rights is the fight of all export zone workers,” declared Renante Peliño, AMWU president.
Since Monday, February 15, 2010, AMWU has protested outside the main gates of the MEZ II after workers were refused entry and not allowed to go to work. The following day, they set up camp at the MEZ gates in order to oblige the Alta Mode management to dialogue with the union. But the very next day, security guards of Acoland, lessor of the MEZ II, tried unsuccessfully to force them out of the export zone.
“Management does not want to face the workers because it will lose face since the financial statement it submitted to the Labor Department reveals that it is not losing,” asserted Peliño.
Alta Mode management has refused to dialogue with the workers and has boycotted the two mediation meetings called by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board last week. Meanwhile none of the 91 members of AMWU have accepted the separation package being offered by management.
Parañaque urban poor march for justice to victims of demolitions and slain mediaman
Press Release
February 22, 2010
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Chanting “Katarungan para sa mga biktima ng demolisyon sa Palasan! Katarungan para kay Albert Cordova Lumbang!,” some 500 Parañaque urban poor marched again to the city hall. Last February 11, the homes of 110 families in the depressed community of Palasan were demolished. Lumbang meanwhile was a mediaman who died while covering the violence-marred urban poor rally at the Parañaque city hall last Thursday, February 18.
The protesters assembled behind Jaka Plaza in Sucat Road, Parañaque around 7:30 a.m. today and then marched by 8:00 a.m. on to the city hall. “We ask that Mayor Jun Bernabe of Paranaque hold a dialogue with the urban poor regarding the demolitions in the city. We want financial assistance for the Palasan residents so they can be provided with decent relocation. Finally we demand a ban on demolitions for the duration of the election period,” explained Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino AMP), a coalition of urban poor organizations in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
The rally today is a follow up to the rally last Thursday in which supporters of the incumbent mayor threw stones at the marchers and Lumbang died during the confusion. The rallyists insist that Lumbang was hit by a stone thrown from the Parañaque city hall while Mayor Bernabe has been quoted attributing his death to heat stroke. One of the rallyists brought Lumbang to the Parañaque Hospital. Beside Lumbang, several protesters were also hit by stones but only slightly hurt.
Renato Magtubo, chairperson of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), expressed support for the protests against demolitions. “The moratorium on demolitions must be enforced not just for the duration of the election period but the length of the economic crisis. If the government cannot provide affordable and safe housing for the homeless then it has no right to deprive the poor not just of their homes but of their livelihoods by demolishing their communities,” he declared.
The urban poor protests were sparked by the demolition in Palasan which is right beside the Amvel subdivision of Mike Velarde. In the demolition, the possessions of those demolished were dumped in the nearby Palanyag Tramo cemetery and four people were temporarily detained but have already been released. “The demolition was illegal since there was no court order and hearings were still ongoing,” Labrador claimed.
Some 1,980 people live in the depressed community of Palasan. Some 13 families have already received P100,000 each in financial assistance and been relocated from the disputed land.
February 22, 2010
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Chanting “Katarungan para sa mga biktima ng demolisyon sa Palasan! Katarungan para kay Albert Cordova Lumbang!,” some 500 Parañaque urban poor marched again to the city hall. Last February 11, the homes of 110 families in the depressed community of Palasan were demolished. Lumbang meanwhile was a mediaman who died while covering the violence-marred urban poor rally at the Parañaque city hall last Thursday, February 18.
The protesters assembled behind Jaka Plaza in Sucat Road, Parañaque around 7:30 a.m. today and then marched by 8:00 a.m. on to the city hall. “We ask that Mayor Jun Bernabe of Paranaque hold a dialogue with the urban poor regarding the demolitions in the city. We want financial assistance for the Palasan residents so they can be provided with decent relocation. Finally we demand a ban on demolitions for the duration of the election period,” explained Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino AMP), a coalition of urban poor organizations in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
The rally today is a follow up to the rally last Thursday in which supporters of the incumbent mayor threw stones at the marchers and Lumbang died during the confusion. The rallyists insist that Lumbang was hit by a stone thrown from the Parañaque city hall while Mayor Bernabe has been quoted attributing his death to heat stroke. One of the rallyists brought Lumbang to the Parañaque Hospital. Beside Lumbang, several protesters were also hit by stones but only slightly hurt.
Renato Magtubo, chairperson of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), expressed support for the protests against demolitions. “The moratorium on demolitions must be enforced not just for the duration of the election period but the length of the economic crisis. If the government cannot provide affordable and safe housing for the homeless then it has no right to deprive the poor not just of their homes but of their livelihoods by demolishing their communities,” he declared.
The urban poor protests were sparked by the demolition in Palasan which is right beside the Amvel subdivision of Mike Velarde. In the demolition, the possessions of those demolished were dumped in the nearby Palanyag Tramo cemetery and four people were temporarily detained but have already been released. “The demolition was illegal since there was no court order and hearings were still ongoing,” Labrador claimed.
Some 1,980 people live in the depressed community of Palasan. Some 13 families have already received P100,000 each in financial assistance and been relocated from the disputed land.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Alta Mode workers boycott disbursement of separation package at DOLE
Press Release
February 18, 2010
The displaced workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, boycotted the disbursement of a separation package scheduled today. “We will not accept a separation package from Alta Mode. We do not accept their alibi that the company losing. The fight against union busting continues,” stated Renante Pelino, president of Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
The top three officers of AMWU went to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Cebu City this morning to announce the union’s position. Representatives of management, including the head of the human resources department, presided over the release of the separation package. Only 15 contractual workers and office employees of Alta Mode accepted, none of whom were union members.
Pelino challenged the representatives of Alta Mode management to attend the second mediation meeting schedule for tomorrow. Management boycotted the first mediation hearing last Monday. “We want management to face the workers and explain the real reason behind the planned closure on March 15. We do not believe that the company is in the red. Closure is just a last desperate attempt to bust the union,” argued Pelino.
Meanwhile the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) proclaimed that they are organizing solidarity for the Alta Mode workers. Renato Magtubo, PM national chairperson, said that “Support from fellow workers in the Philippines and abroad is forthcoming to the embattled workers of Alta Mode. We are even canvassing solidarity from concerned candidates in the elections who have the guts to stand beside the brave Alta Mode workers.”
AMWU is demanding that the workers be accepted back to work. The rest of the 91 workers of Alta Mode are all members of AMWU. Pelino added that “Our doubts about management’s claims of losses grow stronger while they refuse to hold a dialogue with the workers. All the workers have received was a written notice about the closure. Since the picket line was set up, no one from Alta Mode management has faced the workers.”
Since Monday, February 15, 2010, AMWU has protested outside the main gates of the MEZ II after workers were refused entry and not allowed to go to work. The following day, they set up camp at the MEZ gates in order to oblige the Alta Mode management to dialogue with the union. But the very next day, security guards of the export zone tried unsuccessfully to force them out of the privately-owned land of Acoland, lessor of the MEZ II.
February 18, 2010
The displaced workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, boycotted the disbursement of a separation package scheduled today. “We will not accept a separation package from Alta Mode. We do not accept their alibi that the company losing. The fight against union busting continues,” stated Renante Pelino, president of Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
The top three officers of AMWU went to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Cebu City this morning to announce the union’s position. Representatives of management, including the head of the human resources department, presided over the release of the separation package. Only 15 contractual workers and office employees of Alta Mode accepted, none of whom were union members.
Pelino challenged the representatives of Alta Mode management to attend the second mediation meeting schedule for tomorrow. Management boycotted the first mediation hearing last Monday. “We want management to face the workers and explain the real reason behind the planned closure on March 15. We do not believe that the company is in the red. Closure is just a last desperate attempt to bust the union,” argued Pelino.
Meanwhile the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) proclaimed that they are organizing solidarity for the Alta Mode workers. Renato Magtubo, PM national chairperson, said that “Support from fellow workers in the Philippines and abroad is forthcoming to the embattled workers of Alta Mode. We are even canvassing solidarity from concerned candidates in the elections who have the guts to stand beside the brave Alta Mode workers.”
AMWU is demanding that the workers be accepted back to work. The rest of the 91 workers of Alta Mode are all members of AMWU. Pelino added that “Our doubts about management’s claims of losses grow stronger while they refuse to hold a dialogue with the workers. All the workers have received was a written notice about the closure. Since the picket line was set up, no one from Alta Mode management has faced the workers.”
Since Monday, February 15, 2010, AMWU has protested outside the main gates of the MEZ II after workers were refused entry and not allowed to go to work. The following day, they set up camp at the MEZ gates in order to oblige the Alta Mode management to dialogue with the union. But the very next day, security guards of the export zone tried unsuccessfully to force them out of the privately-owned land of Acoland, lessor of the MEZ II.
Paranaque urban poor march on city hall against demolitions
Press Release
February 18, 2010
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Some one thousand urban poor from different depressed communities in Paranaque marched on city hall to demand a stop to demolitions. “We demand a demolition ban, similar to the gun ban, for the duration of the election period,” stated Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP), a coalition of urban poor organizations in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
The AMP rally assembled by 1 p.m. at Kabihasnan in Paranaque then marched along Sucat road to the city hall. In the hour long march, the rallyists chanted slogans against demolitions of communities and for a moratorium on evictions.
The big urban poor rally was sparked by a demolition in the depressed community of Palasan which is right beside the Amvel subdivision of Mike Velarde. Last February 11, the houses of some 110 families in Palasan were demolished and their possessions dumped in the nearby Palanyag Tramo cemetery. Four people were temporarily detained but have already been released. Labrador claimed “The demolition was illegal since there was no court order and hearings were still ongoing.”
Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), expressed support for the march against demolitions. “The moratorium on demolitions must be enforced not just for the duration of the election period but the length of the economic crisis. If the government cannot provide affordable and safe housing for the homeless then it has no right to deprive the poor not just of their homes but of their livelihoods by demolishing their communities,” Miranda declared.
The AMP is calling for financial assistance and decent relocation for the victims of the Palasan demolition. Labrador also criticized Paranaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe for inaction. “Mayor Bernabe went to Palanyag while the demolition was ongoing but went away without assisting the victims,” Labrador said.
Leaders and members of PM in Paranaque joined the march and rally at the city hall.
The demand for affordable housing is part of the 4-point election platform of PM which is running for the House of Representatives through the party-list system. The other planks of the PM party-list platform are regular jobs, a living wage and health care coverage for both employed and unemployed.
Some 1,980 people live in the depressed community of Palanyag. Some 13 families have already received P100,000 each in financial assistance and been relocated from the disputed land.
February 18, 2010
Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino
Some one thousand urban poor from different depressed communities in Paranaque marched on city hall to demand a stop to demolitions. “We demand a demolition ban, similar to the gun ban, for the duration of the election period,” stated Robert Labrador of the Alyansa ng Maralitang Pilipino (AMP), a coalition of urban poor organizations in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog.
The AMP rally assembled by 1 p.m. at Kabihasnan in Paranaque then marched along Sucat road to the city hall. In the hour long march, the rallyists chanted slogans against demolitions of communities and for a moratorium on evictions.
The big urban poor rally was sparked by a demolition in the depressed community of Palasan which is right beside the Amvel subdivision of Mike Velarde. Last February 11, the houses of some 110 families in Palasan were demolished and their possessions dumped in the nearby Palanyag Tramo cemetery. Four people were temporarily detained but have already been released. Labrador claimed “The demolition was illegal since there was no court order and hearings were still ongoing.”
Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), expressed support for the march against demolitions. “The moratorium on demolitions must be enforced not just for the duration of the election period but the length of the economic crisis. If the government cannot provide affordable and safe housing for the homeless then it has no right to deprive the poor not just of their homes but of their livelihoods by demolishing their communities,” Miranda declared.
The AMP is calling for financial assistance and decent relocation for the victims of the Palasan demolition. Labrador also criticized Paranaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe for inaction. “Mayor Bernabe went to Palanyag while the demolition was ongoing but went away without assisting the victims,” Labrador said.
Leaders and members of PM in Paranaque joined the march and rally at the city hall.
The demand for affordable housing is part of the 4-point election platform of PM which is running for the House of Representatives through the party-list system. The other planks of the PM party-list platform are regular jobs, a living wage and health care coverage for both employed and unemployed.
Some 1,980 people live in the depressed community of Palanyag. Some 13 families have already received P100,000 each in financial assistance and been relocated from the disputed land.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tension erupts at Alta Mode picket line at MEZ II
Press Release
February 17, 2010
Tension erupted at the picket line set up by protesting workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch. At 10 a.m. this morning some 20 blue guards of MEZ II tried to disperse around 90 workers manning the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU) picket line at the main gates of MEZ II. The workers held their ground, locked their arms in formation and used their motorcycles as barricade.
The conflict subsided when the blue guards did not force their way. Instead Allan Baylon, Administrator of MEZ II Acoland, the lessor of the export zone, opened negotiations with the protesting workers. The workers compromised and agreed to move their picket line by 2 meters from the gates.
In return the workers got a commitment from Baylon that they will not be disturbed and the picket line will be respected. “Acoland wanted us to move away from their private property but that would mean relocating to the highway, blocking traffic and inconveniencing the public. But our fight is not with the government but with Alta Mode which a locator of Acoland in the MEZ,” explained Renante Pelino, AMWU president.
Renato Magtubo, national chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), a labor party-list group supporting the Alta Mode workers, argued that constitutionally guaranteed freedom of assembly should take precedence over the right to private property. “But in privately owned export zones and industrial estates, the workers right to strike and protest is effectively negated by blue guards enforcing the property rights of landlords. Workers cannot set up a picket line outside the factory because the sidewalks are private property. Workers cannot even hold a protest inside the industrial estates since they can be refused entry by blue guards again on the alibi of private property. In the privately owned export zones and industrial estates, the rights protected by the Constitution are suspended for all intents and purposes,” insisted Magtubo.
Pelino clarified that the workers are not yet on strike and instead they have been locked out by Alta Mode and refused entry by MEZ guards. AMWU is demanding that they be accepted back to work in the face of the planned closure of the factory on March 15. Workers do not believe that Alta Mode is losing and instead accusing management of union busting.
Tomorrow morning the workers will troop to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Cebu City as per notice of Alta Mode management that wages and benefits will be disbursed there. The Alta Mode workers have not yet revealed whether they will hold a protest at the DOLE office or attend the proceedings.
February 17, 2010
Tension erupted at the picket line set up by protesting workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch. At 10 a.m. this morning some 20 blue guards of MEZ II tried to disperse around 90 workers manning the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU) picket line at the main gates of MEZ II. The workers held their ground, locked their arms in formation and used their motorcycles as barricade.
The conflict subsided when the blue guards did not force their way. Instead Allan Baylon, Administrator of MEZ II Acoland, the lessor of the export zone, opened negotiations with the protesting workers. The workers compromised and agreed to move their picket line by 2 meters from the gates.
In return the workers got a commitment from Baylon that they will not be disturbed and the picket line will be respected. “Acoland wanted us to move away from their private property but that would mean relocating to the highway, blocking traffic and inconveniencing the public. But our fight is not with the government but with Alta Mode which a locator of Acoland in the MEZ,” explained Renante Pelino, AMWU president.
Renato Magtubo, national chairperson of Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), a labor party-list group supporting the Alta Mode workers, argued that constitutionally guaranteed freedom of assembly should take precedence over the right to private property. “But in privately owned export zones and industrial estates, the workers right to strike and protest is effectively negated by blue guards enforcing the property rights of landlords. Workers cannot set up a picket line outside the factory because the sidewalks are private property. Workers cannot even hold a protest inside the industrial estates since they can be refused entry by blue guards again on the alibi of private property. In the privately owned export zones and industrial estates, the rights protected by the Constitution are suspended for all intents and purposes,” insisted Magtubo.
Pelino clarified that the workers are not yet on strike and instead they have been locked out by Alta Mode and refused entry by MEZ guards. AMWU is demanding that they be accepted back to work in the face of the planned closure of the factory on March 15. Workers do not believe that Alta Mode is losing and instead accusing management of union busting.
Tomorrow morning the workers will troop to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Cebu City as per notice of Alta Mode management that wages and benefits will be disbursed there. The Alta Mode workers have not yet revealed whether they will hold a protest at the DOLE office or attend the proceedings.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cebu workers setup picket line outside Mactan Economic Zone
Press Release
February 16, 2010
Around 7 a.m. this morning, displaced workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, setup a picket line outside the main gates of the export zone in Lapu-Lapu City. “This is not yet a strike. Instead we have been locked out of work by management,” explained Renante Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
The escalating form of protest by AMWU members came on the heels of the planned closure of the factory on March 15 and the refusal by MEZ II guards to allow the Alta Mode workers to come to work starting yesterday.
As AMWU members established tents and hanged streamers just outside the MEZ gates, Pelino stated that “Alta Mode workers demand to be accepted back to work so that we can feed our families. We appeal to the MEZ guards and Lapu-Lapu police to respect our picket line in order to avoid any untoward incidents. And we call on our fellow export zone workers to support our struggle for decent jobs and labor rights.”
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called the union and management to a 10 a.m. mediation meeting in Cebu City today but the latter did not attend. “That management boycotted today’s mediation meeting shows their intransigence and lack of interest in resolving the labor dispute. There is no reason for Alta Mode to decline to face the workers but that they have no acceptable explanation for the impending shutdown,” insisted Pelino. Another mediation meeting has been set for February 19.
Dennis Derige, spokesperson for the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) in Cebu, proclaimed that they are organizing labor solidarity for the AMWU struggle. “Capitalists and the government are mistaken if they think that labor repression will check the brewing workers unrest over attacks on their jobs, wages and working conditions,” Derige argued.
Management has sent notice that on Thursday they will pay benefits due the workers. But workers are not being invited back to the factory and instead told to proceed to the DOLE offices in Cebu to receive the money.
AMWU is alleging that management plans to close the Alta Mode factory in order to bust the union. AMWU filed for a notice of strike last Thursday, a day after management announced the closure last. Last Friday the workers voted to go on strike with 86 yes and only one no.
February 16, 2010
Around 7 a.m. this morning, displaced workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) II and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, setup a picket line outside the main gates of the export zone in Lapu-Lapu City. “This is not yet a strike. Instead we have been locked out of work by management,” explained Renante Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
The escalating form of protest by AMWU members came on the heels of the planned closure of the factory on March 15 and the refusal by MEZ II guards to allow the Alta Mode workers to come to work starting yesterday.
As AMWU members established tents and hanged streamers just outside the MEZ gates, Pelino stated that “Alta Mode workers demand to be accepted back to work so that we can feed our families. We appeal to the MEZ guards and Lapu-Lapu police to respect our picket line in order to avoid any untoward incidents. And we call on our fellow export zone workers to support our struggle for decent jobs and labor rights.”
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) called the union and management to a 10 a.m. mediation meeting in Cebu City today but the latter did not attend. “That management boycotted today’s mediation meeting shows their intransigence and lack of interest in resolving the labor dispute. There is no reason for Alta Mode to decline to face the workers but that they have no acceptable explanation for the impending shutdown,” insisted Pelino. Another mediation meeting has been set for February 19.
Dennis Derige, spokesperson for the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) in Cebu, proclaimed that they are organizing labor solidarity for the AMWU struggle. “Capitalists and the government are mistaken if they think that labor repression will check the brewing workers unrest over attacks on their jobs, wages and working conditions,” Derige argued.
Management has sent notice that on Thursday they will pay benefits due the workers. But workers are not being invited back to the factory and instead told to proceed to the DOLE offices in Cebu to receive the money.
AMWU is alleging that management plans to close the Alta Mode factory in order to bust the union. AMWU filed for a notice of strike last Thursday, a day after management announced the closure last. Last Friday the workers voted to go on strike with 86 yes and only one no.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Garments workers refused entry, start protests outside MEZ gate
Press Release
February 15, 201
Workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ), launched an impromptu picket around 10 a.m. today outside the gates of the export zone after they were refused entry to go to work. “This is the start of continued protests against the union busting scheme of management in the guise of a shutdown,” explained Reynante Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
Some 90 members of AMWU vowed to picket the MEZ gates until this afternoon and then continue the protest in the succeeding days. Since early this morning the Alta Mode workers were expecting management to meet them and explain the written notice delivered to them. “We challenge management to come and justify the impending closure. A written notice cannot answer the workers’ questions on the factory shutdown,” insisted Pelino.
In a strike vote last Friday, AMWU members decided 86 for and only one against going on strike. Only five AMWU members were absent in the overwhelming decision to go on strike. The day before the strike vote, AMWU officers filed a notice of strike at the Department of Labor and Employment office in Cebu City.
In the written notice, Alta Mode claimed that financial losses constrained them to close the factory come March 15. But AMWU members believe otherwise and accuse management of trying to bust the union.
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) declared it support for the embattled AMWU. Dennis Derige, spokesperson for PM in Cebu, called on Cebuano workers to “Rally around in solidarity with the Alta Mode workers for this is the fight all export zone workers. Since the start of the global recession, workers have struggles against layoffs, reduced workdays, poor working conditions and the right to organize.”
Pelino likewise challenged candidates running for national and local positions to state their stand on the issue of decent jobs and workers rights. “Motherhood statements about being pro-poor or being for reform will not do. Workers want to know if they support our ongoing fight for workers rights and welfare,” he argued.
February 15, 201
Workers of Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ), launched an impromptu picket around 10 a.m. today outside the gates of the export zone after they were refused entry to go to work. “This is the start of continued protests against the union busting scheme of management in the guise of a shutdown,” explained Reynante Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
Some 90 members of AMWU vowed to picket the MEZ gates until this afternoon and then continue the protest in the succeeding days. Since early this morning the Alta Mode workers were expecting management to meet them and explain the written notice delivered to them. “We challenge management to come and justify the impending closure. A written notice cannot answer the workers’ questions on the factory shutdown,” insisted Pelino.
In a strike vote last Friday, AMWU members decided 86 for and only one against going on strike. Only five AMWU members were absent in the overwhelming decision to go on strike. The day before the strike vote, AMWU officers filed a notice of strike at the Department of Labor and Employment office in Cebu City.
In the written notice, Alta Mode claimed that financial losses constrained them to close the factory come March 15. But AMWU members believe otherwise and accuse management of trying to bust the union.
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) declared it support for the embattled AMWU. Dennis Derige, spokesperson for PM in Cebu, called on Cebuano workers to “Rally around in solidarity with the Alta Mode workers for this is the fight all export zone workers. Since the start of the global recession, workers have struggles against layoffs, reduced workdays, poor working conditions and the right to organize.”
Pelino likewise challenged candidates running for national and local positions to state their stand on the issue of decent jobs and workers rights. “Motherhood statements about being pro-poor or being for reform will not do. Workers want to know if they support our ongoing fight for workers rights and welfare,” he argued.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Filipino teachers form organization to pursue justice vs recruiter
Press Release
February 12, 2010
Filipino Educators Federation of Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana–Filipino migrant teachers who are in a struggle against their recruitment agency on allegations of overcharges and exploitation have banded together to form an advocacy and campaigns organization to consolidate their growing movement.
In a whole day activity dubbed as Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly held last February 6, 2010 at the Labor Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, more than 50 teachers from the different school districts in Louisiana discussed the concept, objectives and organizational structure of the group. By the end of the day the Filipino Educators Federation of Louisiana was formed and a set of officers was elected.
Ingrid Cruz, one of the organizers of the activity and the elected founding President of the federation underscored the importance of the gathering. “This formation is not only to obtain justice for ourselves and our families but to increase awareness on the issue and prevent more Filipinos from being victimized by these unscrupulous and abusive placement agencies.”
Among the objectives of group are the following: 1. To help Filipino teachers and workers who are victims of trafficking, oppressive forms of recruitment and unfair labor practices; 2. To implement campaigns to pursue justice and enforce the rights of migrant teachers and workers; and 3. To advocate for the promotion of the welfare of migrant workers both in the US and in the Philippines.
It can be recalled that several Filipino teachers started to expose the oppressive policies of their placement agency and their horrible experiences through a blog, www.pinoyteachershub.blogspot.com, which until now continues to rally the teachers to move collectively to obtain justice. People behind the blog are believed to be part of this teachers’ formation.
In the latter part of last year, the teachers with the help of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have filed complaints against the California-based Universal Placement International (UPI) with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Louisiana Workforce Commission. In the Philippines, these teachers in coordination with the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) are filing complaints with the POEA against UPI’s Philippine-based counterpart PARS International.
Mairi Nunag, also an organizer of the formation and the elected Executive Vice-President said that they are expecting that more Filipino teachers will join the organization. “We have many more colleagues who are one with our goals and aspirations. Before, they are afraid to come out in the open to fight these agencies but now many realized that there is no more option left but to stand up and fight.”
The activity was keynoted by Atty. Jesse Marchan, a Filipino-American immigration lawyer who has also volunteered to help the teachers in their situation. Solidarity messages from the Filipino community in Baton Rouge, from PM labor party-list, from the teachers’ blog and other groups were read during the activity.
Renato Magtubo, PM Chairperson, in a message of solidarity challenged the newly formed organization for the “bigger battle of gaining a voice and winning reforms for Filipino migrant workers in the US.” Ian Seruelo, the PM-Liaison Officer in the U.S. who is also one of the organizers of the event expressed confidence that the formation will solidify the gains of the different efforts and campaigns against the “oppressive tandem of UPI-PARS.” “We will not stop until those responsible for these exploitative practices are punished,” Seruelo added.
Filipino teachers who are holding H1B working visas were deployed in different school districts in Louisiana starting 2007 to fill in the shortage of teachers especially in the fields of math, science and special education.
February 12, 2010
Filipino Educators Federation of Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana–Filipino migrant teachers who are in a struggle against their recruitment agency on allegations of overcharges and exploitation have banded together to form an advocacy and campaigns organization to consolidate their growing movement.
In a whole day activity dubbed as Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly held last February 6, 2010 at the Labor Hall in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, more than 50 teachers from the different school districts in Louisiana discussed the concept, objectives and organizational structure of the group. By the end of the day the Filipino Educators Federation of Louisiana was formed and a set of officers was elected.
Ingrid Cruz, one of the organizers of the activity and the elected founding President of the federation underscored the importance of the gathering. “This formation is not only to obtain justice for ourselves and our families but to increase awareness on the issue and prevent more Filipinos from being victimized by these unscrupulous and abusive placement agencies.”
Among the objectives of group are the following: 1. To help Filipino teachers and workers who are victims of trafficking, oppressive forms of recruitment and unfair labor practices; 2. To implement campaigns to pursue justice and enforce the rights of migrant teachers and workers; and 3. To advocate for the promotion of the welfare of migrant workers both in the US and in the Philippines.
It can be recalled that several Filipino teachers started to expose the oppressive policies of their placement agency and their horrible experiences through a blog, www.pinoyteachershub.blogspot.com, which until now continues to rally the teachers to move collectively to obtain justice. People behind the blog are believed to be part of this teachers’ formation.
In the latter part of last year, the teachers with the help of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have filed complaints against the California-based Universal Placement International (UPI) with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Louisiana Workforce Commission. In the Philippines, these teachers in coordination with the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) are filing complaints with the POEA against UPI’s Philippine-based counterpart PARS International.
Mairi Nunag, also an organizer of the formation and the elected Executive Vice-President said that they are expecting that more Filipino teachers will join the organization. “We have many more colleagues who are one with our goals and aspirations. Before, they are afraid to come out in the open to fight these agencies but now many realized that there is no more option left but to stand up and fight.”
The activity was keynoted by Atty. Jesse Marchan, a Filipino-American immigration lawyer who has also volunteered to help the teachers in their situation. Solidarity messages from the Filipino community in Baton Rouge, from PM labor party-list, from the teachers’ blog and other groups were read during the activity.
Renato Magtubo, PM Chairperson, in a message of solidarity challenged the newly formed organization for the “bigger battle of gaining a voice and winning reforms for Filipino migrant workers in the US.” Ian Seruelo, the PM-Liaison Officer in the U.S. who is also one of the organizers of the event expressed confidence that the formation will solidify the gains of the different efforts and campaigns against the “oppressive tandem of UPI-PARS.” “We will not stop until those responsible for these exploitative practices are punished,” Seruelo added.
Filipino teachers who are holding H1B working visas were deployed in different school districts in Louisiana starting 2007 to fill in the shortage of teachers especially in the fields of math, science and special education.
Message of Solidarity to the Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly
February 6, 2010
The Partido ng Manggagawa extends the long arm of workers solidarity to the Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As the independent working class party in the Philippines, we congratulate the valiant Filipino teachers who have waged the good fight to right what is wrong and defend the welfare of migrant workers in the US.
Now you stand on the threshold of taking the next big step in the fight for migrant rights and welfare. Forming a migrant teachers and workers organization is the necessary and logical level up in the continuing struggle. We wish you success in this initiative and endeavor.
Establishing an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US consolidates the hard-fought and well-deserved gains and victories in the course of more than a year of struggle. It also prepares the courageous Filipino migrant teachers for the decisive battle to win the case against an oppressive illegal recruiter. And moreover it paves the road and points for way for the far bigger battle of gaining a voice and winning reforms for Filipino migrant workers in the US.
Forming an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US comes at an opportune time. In the US, the Obama administration that came to power on a platform of hope and change is just a year old. In the Philippines, it is the eve of the national elections that will end the unpopular regime of Gloria Arroyo. A vibrant migrant organization in partnership with strong labor movements should challenge the promises of the present administration in the US and the coming regime in the Philippines.
As any migrant worker who has left the country in search not so much of greener pastures but simply of a better job, elections in the Philippines are more in the nature of an entertaining circus and noisy fiesta rather than springboards for real reform or even discussion of issues. Yet the crisis of the ruling system in the Philippines has opened up windows of opportunities however small, such as the party-list system, for determined labor advocates to gain voice and representation.
Also in the US, the economic recession is casting away illusions and opening up the eyes of the working people about the nature of capitalism, the excesses of globalization, the need for an alternative America and the possibility of a new world. Amidst the struggle for health care, immigration reform and pro-labor change, a revitalized American workers movement may be forged with the voice of migrant labor firmly embedded.
The prospects for expanding and consolidating a Filipino migrant teachers and workers organization are good. Under the new context, it will hopefully be immunized against the virus of disunity and fragmentation that has historically debilitated Filipino-American organizations. As long the principles of democratic processes and unity in action are practiced not just preached, as long as a long-term political vision for social change imbues the immediate fight for labor rights and welfare, then we believe the road less travelled by that you have taken as migrant workers will make all the difference.
The Partido ng Manggagawa extends the long arm of workers solidarity to the Filipino Migrant Teachers Assembly in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As the independent working class party in the Philippines, we congratulate the valiant Filipino teachers who have waged the good fight to right what is wrong and defend the welfare of migrant workers in the US.
Now you stand on the threshold of taking the next big step in the fight for migrant rights and welfare. Forming a migrant teachers and workers organization is the necessary and logical level up in the continuing struggle. We wish you success in this initiative and endeavor.
Establishing an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US consolidates the hard-fought and well-deserved gains and victories in the course of more than a year of struggle. It also prepares the courageous Filipino migrant teachers for the decisive battle to win the case against an oppressive illegal recruiter. And moreover it paves the road and points for way for the far bigger battle of gaining a voice and winning reforms for Filipino migrant workers in the US.
Forming an organization of Filipino migrant teachers and workers in the US comes at an opportune time. In the US, the Obama administration that came to power on a platform of hope and change is just a year old. In the Philippines, it is the eve of the national elections that will end the unpopular regime of Gloria Arroyo. A vibrant migrant organization in partnership with strong labor movements should challenge the promises of the present administration in the US and the coming regime in the Philippines.
As any migrant worker who has left the country in search not so much of greener pastures but simply of a better job, elections in the Philippines are more in the nature of an entertaining circus and noisy fiesta rather than springboards for real reform or even discussion of issues. Yet the crisis of the ruling system in the Philippines has opened up windows of opportunities however small, such as the party-list system, for determined labor advocates to gain voice and representation.
Also in the US, the economic recession is casting away illusions and opening up the eyes of the working people about the nature of capitalism, the excesses of globalization, the need for an alternative America and the possibility of a new world. Amidst the struggle for health care, immigration reform and pro-labor change, a revitalized American workers movement may be forged with the voice of migrant labor firmly embedded.
The prospects for expanding and consolidating a Filipino migrant teachers and workers organization are good. Under the new context, it will hopefully be immunized against the virus of disunity and fragmentation that has historically debilitated Filipino-American organizations. As long the principles of democratic processes and unity in action are practiced not just preached, as long as a long-term political vision for social change imbues the immediate fight for labor rights and welfare, then we believe the road less travelled by that you have taken as migrant workers will make all the difference.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Labor dispute erupts anew at MEPZ, strike looms
Press Release
February 11, 2010
The labor union at Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone, today filed a notice of strike as management yesterday announced its abrupt closure on March 15. “The shutdown of Alta Mode is a vicious tactic to bust the union,” insisted Reynante Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
Leaders of the AMWU trooped to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Cebu City early this morning to file the notice of strike. Within the week, the union plans to call for a strike vote among its almost 100 members. According to the Labor Code, disputes arising from complaints of union busting are immediately strikeable without going through the usual cooling off period.
Alta Mode, an apparel exporter and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, has been rocked by labor disputes and workers unrest over unfair working conditions and the freedom to organize for almost a year already. Pelino added that “The workers are not buying Alta Mode’s line that they are losing money. They want to shutdown the factory because they do want to face organized workers who assert their rights and fight for their welfare.”
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) announced it solidarity for the workers of Alta Mode. Renato Magtubo, PM national chairperson, said that “We challenge the politicians who claim to run on a platform of reform or who say they are pro-poor to put their money where their mouths are and support the workers who stand to lose their jobs simply because they assert their constitutional rights.”
Magtubo further added that “We would like to remind the DOLE that the ILO High Level Mission just recently released its report on the implementation of Convention 87 on the freedom of association which will be tabled this coming March at another ILO meeting. The Alta Mode case highlights the no-union policy inside export zones that is in direct contravention with Convention 87.”
Pelino appealed for the understanding and solidarity of fellow workers in the MEZ. “An injury to one is an injury to all. The fight of the Alta Mode workers is the struggle of all export zone workers,” he explained. Since the start of the global recession late in 2008, the MEZ has seen a series of mass actions and militant struggles by workers over layoffs, reduced workdays, poor working conditions and the right to organize.
February 11, 2010
The labor union at Alta Mode Inc., a garments factory in the Mactan Economic Zone, today filed a notice of strike as management yesterday announced its abrupt closure on March 15. “The shutdown of Alta Mode is a vicious tactic to bust the union,” insisted Reynante Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union (AMWU).
Leaders of the AMWU trooped to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in Cebu City early this morning to file the notice of strike. Within the week, the union plans to call for a strike vote among its almost 100 members. According to the Labor Code, disputes arising from complaints of union busting are immediately strikeable without going through the usual cooling off period.
Alta Mode, an apparel exporter and subcontractor for global brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, has been rocked by labor disputes and workers unrest over unfair working conditions and the freedom to organize for almost a year already. Pelino added that “The workers are not buying Alta Mode’s line that they are losing money. They want to shutdown the factory because they do want to face organized workers who assert their rights and fight for their welfare.”
The labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) announced it solidarity for the workers of Alta Mode. Renato Magtubo, PM national chairperson, said that “We challenge the politicians who claim to run on a platform of reform or who say they are pro-poor to put their money where their mouths are and support the workers who stand to lose their jobs simply because they assert their constitutional rights.”
Magtubo further added that “We would like to remind the DOLE that the ILO High Level Mission just recently released its report on the implementation of Convention 87 on the freedom of association which will be tabled this coming March at another ILO meeting. The Alta Mode case highlights the no-union policy inside export zones that is in direct contravention with Convention 87.”
Pelino appealed for the understanding and solidarity of fellow workers in the MEZ. “An injury to one is an injury to all. The fight of the Alta Mode workers is the struggle of all export zone workers,” he explained. Since the start of the global recession late in 2008, the MEZ has seen a series of mass actions and militant struggles by workers over layoffs, reduced workdays, poor working conditions and the right to organize.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Labor party-list campaigners complain of harassment in opening salvo
PRESS RELEASE
February 10, 2010
Members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM ) in Batangas complained of police harassment in the opening salvo of its campaign yesterday. Two police mobile cars with six policemen blocked more than a hundred PM members in Sto. Tomas, Batangas around 6:00 p.m. last night and prohibited the group from proceeding with its march.
“The PM community march in Batangas was a legitimate electoral campaign activity that the police can only regulate but not prohibit. We condemn the harassment and violation of our right to campaign,” declared Renato Magtubo, PM national chairperson.
According to Beatriz Tolentino, PM leader in Batangas and participant in the march, the group was planning to proceed along the Pres. Laurel highway towards the Sto. Tomas public market and distribute leaflets along the way when at the intersection a municipal road and the highway, the police blocked their way. “Headed by a certain Capt. Lunar, the police insisted that we were not allowed to proceed since we lacked a permit. But we argued that no permit is necessary since it is already the start of the campaign period. We were also not blocking or obstructing traffic since we were marching in rows of two,” she insisted.
PM kicked off the opening salvo of its campaign for party-list by launching community marches at its base areas nationwide from Metro Manila to Davao City. The community march in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was only one of numerous grassroots-level activities of the group. “This is our non-conventional approach to the party-list campaign that is different from the traditional campaign of national candidates,” explained Magtubo.
The Batangas PM members started assembling around 5:00 p.m. near the San Roque barangay hall in Sto. Tomas. After a short program, more than a hundred PM members launched the march but were later blocked by the Sto. Tomas police.
The group is studying the option of filing complaints against the police. “In fairness, Capt. Lunar was apologetic but still insisted on stopping the march since he said that they were only doing their job. Yet Capt. Lunar must understand that if we proceed with filing a case against them after consultation with lawyers,” we are doing it in defending our rights,” said Tolentino.
Magtubo added that if campaigners need to secure a permit from the police for legitimate forms of electoral activity then the campaign would become bogged down by such red tape.
February 10, 2010
Members of the labor party-list Partido ng Manggagawa (PM ) in Batangas complained of police harassment in the opening salvo of its campaign yesterday. Two police mobile cars with six policemen blocked more than a hundred PM members in Sto. Tomas, Batangas around 6:00 p.m. last night and prohibited the group from proceeding with its march.
“The PM community march in Batangas was a legitimate electoral campaign activity that the police can only regulate but not prohibit. We condemn the harassment and violation of our right to campaign,” declared Renato Magtubo, PM national chairperson.
According to Beatriz Tolentino, PM leader in Batangas and participant in the march, the group was planning to proceed along the Pres. Laurel highway towards the Sto. Tomas public market and distribute leaflets along the way when at the intersection a municipal road and the highway, the police blocked their way. “Headed by a certain Capt. Lunar, the police insisted that we were not allowed to proceed since we lacked a permit. But we argued that no permit is necessary since it is already the start of the campaign period. We were also not blocking or obstructing traffic since we were marching in rows of two,” she insisted.
PM kicked off the opening salvo of its campaign for party-list by launching community marches at its base areas nationwide from Metro Manila to Davao City. The community march in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was only one of numerous grassroots-level activities of the group. “This is our non-conventional approach to the party-list campaign that is different from the traditional campaign of national candidates,” explained Magtubo.
The Batangas PM members started assembling around 5:00 p.m. near the San Roque barangay hall in Sto. Tomas. After a short program, more than a hundred PM members launched the march but were later blocked by the Sto. Tomas police.
The group is studying the option of filing complaints against the police. “In fairness, Capt. Lunar was apologetic but still insisted on stopping the march since he said that they were only doing their job. Yet Capt. Lunar must understand that if we proceed with filing a case against them after consultation with lawyers,” we are doing it in defending our rights,” said Tolentino.
Magtubo added that if campaigners need to secure a permit from the police for legitimate forms of electoral activity then the campaign would become bogged down by such red tape.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Labor party-list pickets Comelec to expedite case re acronym
Press Release
February 8, 2010
On the eve of the campaign period for the national elections, the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) picketed the Comelec main office to urge the poll body to immediately decide on the exclusive use of the acronym “PM.” “We appeal to the Comelec to expedite hearings and issue a decision before ballots are printed,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
Last Friday, the labor party-list filed a manifestation with the Comelec, docketed as SPP 10-006 (PL), with a prayer to prohibit a newly accredited party-list from using the acronym “PM.” The group found out that in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa is arguing that the use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by two groups will confuse the voters.
The day before it filed the manifestation, PM also sent a letter addressed to Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
In both the letter and the manifestation to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, meanwhile called on Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” he stated.
February 8, 2010
On the eve of the campaign period for the national elections, the labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) picketed the Comelec main office to urge the poll body to immediately decide on the exclusive use of the acronym “PM.” “We appeal to the Comelec to expedite hearings and issue a decision before ballots are printed,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, PM secretary-general.
Last Friday, the labor party-list filed a manifestation with the Comelec, docketed as SPP 10-006 (PL), with a prayer to prohibit a newly accredited party-list from using the acronym “PM.” The group found out that in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa is arguing that the use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by two groups will confuse the voters.
The day before it filed the manifestation, PM also sent a letter addressed to Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
In both the letter and the manifestation to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, meanwhile called on Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” he stated.
10 years of failed labor justice under the Arroyo regime
PRESS RELEASE
5 February 2010
Labor justice is a failed agenda under the 10-year rule of the Arroyo administration, a militant labor partylist group, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), said in a statement sent to media as the party commemorates the 10th year death anniversary of its founder, the late Filemon “Ka Popoy” Lagman, tomorrow.
Lagman was gunned down at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman on February 6, 2001, barely two months after Mrs. Arroyo assumed power through a popular uprising and thus considered the first case of extra-judicial killing under the Arroyo government that remains unsolved.
PM chair Renato Magtubo even recalled that Mrs. Arroyo in her 2001 Labor Day speech vowed to solve the Lagman case in her first 100 days in office and instructed all concerned law enforcement agencies to coordinate and go after the killers.
“Now it’s not just 100 days but an agonizing 10 years of failed justice for Ka Popoy and for many other victims who suffered the same fate under this corrupt and repressive regime,” said Magtubo.
The Partido ng Manggagawa was Lagman’s last project before his death. PM is a sectoral group running for the partylist elections.
He was also behind the formation of other militant groups such as the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and the multisectoral group Sanlakas. It was also Lagman who then pursued the “Resigh All” line calling not only for the resignation of President Estrada but also of Mrs. Arroyo, believing that a mere change in the face of the next rulers will never solve the country’s chronic problems.
“In few more months, GMA will leave the presidency with the Lagman murder still unsolved and the conditions of the working class in the country gone from bad to worse. Our challenge to the next administration is to make labor justice an urgent agenda and policies aligned towards this platform,” declared
Labor justice, according to PM, is not only about justice for the unsolved killings under the Arroyo regime but most importantly, is a change in policies that for the longest time have undermined the rights and welfare of the working class.
The current minimum wage of Filipino workers is way below the needed family wage as mandated by the Constitution. Filipinos have also the least social security protections compared with their counterparts abroad. As a result, some 3,000 workers leave the country everyday to find their fortunes in almost every corner of the world.
The labor party in particular is opposing the policies of contractualization which keeps the level of wages low, threatens job security and a bane to exercising the workers’ rights to self-organization.
5 February 2010
Labor justice is a failed agenda under the 10-year rule of the Arroyo administration, a militant labor partylist group, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM), said in a statement sent to media as the party commemorates the 10th year death anniversary of its founder, the late Filemon “Ka Popoy” Lagman, tomorrow.
Lagman was gunned down at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman on February 6, 2001, barely two months after Mrs. Arroyo assumed power through a popular uprising and thus considered the first case of extra-judicial killing under the Arroyo government that remains unsolved.
PM chair Renato Magtubo even recalled that Mrs. Arroyo in her 2001 Labor Day speech vowed to solve the Lagman case in her first 100 days in office and instructed all concerned law enforcement agencies to coordinate and go after the killers.
“Now it’s not just 100 days but an agonizing 10 years of failed justice for Ka Popoy and for many other victims who suffered the same fate under this corrupt and repressive regime,” said Magtubo.
The Partido ng Manggagawa was Lagman’s last project before his death. PM is a sectoral group running for the partylist elections.
He was also behind the formation of other militant groups such as the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) and the multisectoral group Sanlakas. It was also Lagman who then pursued the “Resigh All” line calling not only for the resignation of President Estrada but also of Mrs. Arroyo, believing that a mere change in the face of the next rulers will never solve the country’s chronic problems.
“In few more months, GMA will leave the presidency with the Lagman murder still unsolved and the conditions of the working class in the country gone from bad to worse. Our challenge to the next administration is to make labor justice an urgent agenda and policies aligned towards this platform,” declared
Labor justice, according to PM, is not only about justice for the unsolved killings under the Arroyo regime but most importantly, is a change in policies that for the longest time have undermined the rights and welfare of the working class.
The current minimum wage of Filipino workers is way below the needed family wage as mandated by the Constitution. Filipinos have also the least social security protections compared with their counterparts abroad. As a result, some 3,000 workers leave the country everyday to find their fortunes in almost every corner of the world.
The labor party in particular is opposing the policies of contractualization which keeps the level of wages low, threatens job security and a bane to exercising the workers’ rights to self-organization.
“Don’t overtake,” labor party-list urge transport group
Press Release
February 4, 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa called on the transport association Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of Partido ng Manggagawa.
The labor party-list found out in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa will file today at the Comelec clerk of court a formal petition to resolve the issue and grant the labor party-list the exclusive right to use the acronym “PM.”
Yesterday the group already sent a letter addressed to the Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
She said that “We do not object to jeepney drivers participating in the party-list elections nor do we question Pasang Masda seeking representation for the sector. But they must register their own unique acronym instead of appropriating ‘PM’ that has been historically tied to Partido ng Manggagawa.”
In its letter to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
February 4, 2010
The labor party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa called on the transport association Pasang Masda to change the acronym “PM” which it used in its registration with the Comelec for the party-list election. “Don’t overtake is a minor traffic rule that we expect Pasang Masda to follow. Partido ng Manggagawa is ahead of Pasang Masda as far as driving on the party-list road is concerned and PM has been our vehicle since the 2001 elections,” stated Judy Ann Miranda, secretary-general of Partido ng Manggagawa.
The labor party-list found out in the Certified List of Candidates for Party List posted on the COMELEC website on January 30, 2010 at 3pm that the acronym of Pasang Masda was indicated as “PM.” Partido ng Manggagawa will file today at the Comelec clerk of court a formal petition to resolve the issue and grant the labor party-list the exclusive right to use the acronym “PM.”
Yesterday the group already sent a letter addressed to the Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan of the Comelec Law Department and Chairman Jose Melo asking the poll body to compel Pasang Masda to change the acronym it used. Miranda added that “We expect the Comelec to correct the mistake before the official ballots are printed. ‘PM’ is an acronym that has been registered with the Partido ng Manggagawa for almost a decade now, used during elections or not, inside the House of Representatives and in the parliament of the streets.”
“The use of the same acronym ‘PM’ by both Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will utterly confuse the voters. Voters shading their ballots will easily make a mistake since Partido ng Manggagawa and Pasang Masda will be adjacent to each other on the roll of party-list groups,” insisted Miranda.
She said that “We do not object to jeepney drivers participating in the party-list elections nor do we question Pasang Masda seeking representation for the sector. But they must register their own unique acronym instead of appropriating ‘PM’ that has been historically tied to Partido ng Manggagawa.”
In its letter to the Comelec, the labor party-list argued that “PM” for the last 2001, 2004 and 2007 elections has been the acronym of Partido ng Manggagawa printed in the COMELEC official ballots. Also it stated that Renato Magtubo was proclaimed, sworn in and recognized by the 12th and 13th Congress as Partido ng Manggagawa-PM Party List representative.
Partido ng Manggagawa believes that Pasang Masda was one of many party-list groups accredited after appeal since it was not part of the original Comelec certified list of 144 last January 15. The labor party-list is also raising an issue on the propriety of the accredited party-list groups suddenly ballooning by 30% to 187.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Workers protest SSS fund diversion for GMA stimulus plan
Press Release
February 1, 2010
Members of the party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) picketed the main office of the Social Security System in protest at the plan of SSS President Romulo Neri to channel P12.5 billion of SSS funds to the economic stimulus package of the Arroyo administration.
Chanting “Neri, Gloria: Hands off our funds!” and “Additional workers benefits not more GMA projects is the right stimulus plan!” some 50 workers from PM gathered at the East Avenue office of SSS around 10 a.m.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, argued that “It is not just illegal but illegitimate for Neri to divert billions in SSS funds to infrastructure projects that will benefit capitalists first and workers last, if at all. A pro-labor stimulus plan must put money in workers hands through additional SSS benefits for workers, including an unemployment subsidy for displaced SSS members.”
The group also revealed that they are studying the option of filing a class suit of SSS members against Neri for the alleged fund diversion. The workers also voiced support for Senate Resolution 850 directing the committee on government corporations and public enterprises to investigate the plan to channel the P12.5 billion for the government’s "economic resiliency plan."
Among the protesters were workers who are SSS members with complaints about their benefits. Among them is Tomas Piroy, a resident of Tanza, Cavite but who works as a security guard in Paranaque. Piroy recently secured a loan from SSS but objects to the P200 service charge automatically deducted from his loan. “The SSS is our money yet we are charged for accessing our benefits,” Piroy stated.
Dennis Sequena, leader of PM in Cavite raised the prospect that due to the lack of transparency and corruption in the administration, “Workers funds might be used for the electoral campaign of the regime-backed candidates if not of GMA herself in Pampanga. Neri is apparently confused that as administrator of the SSS money his real boss is the workers who have put their hard-earned money in the insurance fund not GMA who wants to dip her hands in the piggy bank of the working class.”
He added that “If instead of funding infrastructure projects, the P12.5 billion in SSS funds is used as unemployment subsidy for workers laid off due to the economic crisis, then some 200,000 will benefit. This will be enough to cover the 40,000 laid off, according to the conservative figures of the DOLE, since the start of the global recession and the tens of thousands more to be displaced in the coming months and years as the economic crisis shows no sign of abating.” PM is pushing for an unemployment subsidy at the minimum wage rate of P10,000 for up to six months for workers who are recently displaced.
February 1, 2010
Members of the party-list group Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) picketed the main office of the Social Security System in protest at the plan of SSS President Romulo Neri to channel P12.5 billion of SSS funds to the economic stimulus package of the Arroyo administration.
Chanting “Neri, Gloria: Hands off our funds!” and “Additional workers benefits not more GMA projects is the right stimulus plan!” some 50 workers from PM gathered at the East Avenue office of SSS around 10 a.m.
Renato Magtubo, PM chairperson, argued that “It is not just illegal but illegitimate for Neri to divert billions in SSS funds to infrastructure projects that will benefit capitalists first and workers last, if at all. A pro-labor stimulus plan must put money in workers hands through additional SSS benefits for workers, including an unemployment subsidy for displaced SSS members.”
The group also revealed that they are studying the option of filing a class suit of SSS members against Neri for the alleged fund diversion. The workers also voiced support for Senate Resolution 850 directing the committee on government corporations and public enterprises to investigate the plan to channel the P12.5 billion for the government’s "economic resiliency plan."
Among the protesters were workers who are SSS members with complaints about their benefits. Among them is Tomas Piroy, a resident of Tanza, Cavite but who works as a security guard in Paranaque. Piroy recently secured a loan from SSS but objects to the P200 service charge automatically deducted from his loan. “The SSS is our money yet we are charged for accessing our benefits,” Piroy stated.
Dennis Sequena, leader of PM in Cavite raised the prospect that due to the lack of transparency and corruption in the administration, “Workers funds might be used for the electoral campaign of the regime-backed candidates if not of GMA herself in Pampanga. Neri is apparently confused that as administrator of the SSS money his real boss is the workers who have put their hard-earned money in the insurance fund not GMA who wants to dip her hands in the piggy bank of the working class.”
He added that “If instead of funding infrastructure projects, the P12.5 billion in SSS funds is used as unemployment subsidy for workers laid off due to the economic crisis, then some 200,000 will benefit. This will be enough to cover the 40,000 laid off, according to the conservative figures of the DOLE, since the start of the global recession and the tens of thousands more to be displaced in the coming months and years as the economic crisis shows no sign of abating.” PM is pushing for an unemployment subsidy at the minimum wage rate of P10,000 for up to six months for workers who are recently displaced.
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