The labor group Partido
Manggagawa (PM) slammed the giant cement company, Holcim Philippines, for being
a “misbehaving employer” as it took a hardline position in the collective
bargaining negotiations then locked out its employees after reaching a
deadlock. “Pasaway ang Holcim! The company is a Scrooge for depriving its
workers of jobs as we welcome the new year,” asserted Judy Ann Miranda, PM
secretary-general.
She added that “We ask that
the profitable company negotiate in good faith with the two unions and share
the fruits of production with its workers. Corporations should make new year’s
resolutions to share it bounty with workers who create the wealth through production.”
Holcim Philippines in Lugait,
Misamis Oriental is owned by the French multinational LafargeHolcim. It locked
out 142 employees starting on January 6 this year. The company currently deadlocked
in its negotiations with the Holcim Lugait Supervisory Union and the Holcim Philippines
Workers Union, representing supervisory and rank-and-file workers respectively
but both affiliated with the Federation of Democratic Labor Organization (FDLO).
Miranda explained that “Holcim
took a take-it-or-leave-it position in bargaining talks with both unions. This
is a sign of bad faith bargaining which is illegal according to the Labor Code.
Employers and unions are mandated to negotiate in good faith and adjust their
demands and offers to reach a compromise. After its hardline bargaining position,
Holcim then locked out its employees thus depriving them of livelihood and
income.”
PM expressed it support for the two Holcim FDLO unions and pledged to seek support from the international labor movement for the fight of the embattled workers.
Press Release
January 14, 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment