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They (the driver and the command inside the factory premises) thought the workers are standing by the side of the street outside company gate.
Read also: KMU condemns Pentagon, police violence vs workers
One government employee was dismissed and the others were deprived of the salary increase that is due to them under the Salary Standardization Law 3.
The picketing workers asked: why did the labor department issue an injunction order against their supposed strike, when the company has locked them out in the first place? The workers said they are not on strike but in protest of their illegal lockout. Read also:Pentagon steel workers decry 'treachery' of PTGWO leaders ;
KMU slams arrest of labor leader in Pentagon skirmish
Their rights ignored by the management, the labor federation their union supposedly belongs to, and the Labor department, the workers of Pentagon Steel had no other option but to fight for their rights.
Chibo Tan of the National Federation of Labor Unions said the situation of the city government’s job order and contract of service workers only reflect the system of the current dispensation which implements contractualization, a scheme that does not protect their right to security of tenure.
“Aquino is so desperate in selling his illusion of economic growth that he even resorts to absurd excuses just to cover up the worsening hunger and poverty that he has brought upon us workers and the Filipino people.” – KMU
“It’s as if the oil companies just took a break (from hiking prices) in the run-up to the elections to give the Malacañang candidates a chance to prettify themselves, especially since Noynoy was personally campaigning for the administration slate.” – Piston
Citing former Air Force Col. Eduardo Kapunan’s right to “full liberty”, lawyer Lorna Kapunan led her team of lawyers in offering to Branch 98 Rizal Regional Trial Court six exhibits, all but one of which were objected to by the private prosecutors from the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers.
“The fight for our rights does not stop at this historical triumph. We will join forces with other workers in other factories experiencing the same working conditions and capitalist suppression—especially now that we have once again proven the power of strikes.”
Read also: What prompted Coke workers to strike
“The workers who toil every day for Coca Cola to take home billions of profits have been experiencing the worst working conditions under the 99%-Coca-Cola-owned Red System agency.”
“The extent of support given by the local police to the company is alarming especially because fundamental human rights of the workers have been gravely violated,” said Arman Hernando, CTUHR coordinator for documentation.
Accused former Air Force Col. Eduardo Kapunan admitted in court that he ordered the surveillance of labor leader Roland Olalia, who was later found brutally murdered with companion Leonor Alay-ay, in 1986.
“No nation can prosper while its population wallow in unemployment and the government’s remedy for the problem is to herd its people and leave them to their fates abroad.” – Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares
There are many forms of contractualization in different industries.
“Working peoples are organizing themselves everywhere in the world because the workers’ task remains: how to change the system in which only a few enjoy the fruits of workers’ blood and sweat.” – Teddy Casiño
“It appears that the kind of ‘peace’ being promoted by the government is unjust, and is actually opposed to workers' rights and freedoms.” – Center for Trade Union and Human Rights
The two newly-signed labor laws mandating tripartism and compulsory arbitration effectively weaken unions and their power of collective action to bargain for better working conditions.
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