For months now, Lepanto mining company is locked in a protracted labor strike by its employees. But there’s another issue raised by university-based doctors and scientists on the firm’s mining operations. Their findings of water samples take from river systems where the company’s mine tailings are allegedly dumped showed very high cyanide, chromium and lead.…
Category: Labor & Employment
Series of Protests at Hand, Says Labor Spokesperson
The spokesperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU or May First Movement) said that the various cause-oriented groups are ready to stage a series of protest actions if oil prices increase again and the temporary restraining order on the Expanded Value-Added Tax (EVAT) law is lifted at the same time. The protests would include a…
It’s ‘Bad Food, Bad Life’ for Nestlé’s Workers
“The next time you enter the grocery store to buy a milk or chocolate drink, please remember the plight of the Nestle workers.” This is the appeal of Nestle workers whose case against the giant Swiss-owned food multinational company drags unresolved. By Dennis Espada Bulatlat.com Cabuyao, Laguna – “Good Food, Good Life” is Nestle’s promotional…
March of the Hungry in ‘Tiempo Muerto’
“Tiempo Muerto” (dead times) are bad times for cane workers. They go hungry because there is no work and are neglected by landowners. Last Aug. 17, close to a thousand hungry-stricken sugar workers and farmers trooped to the office of the provincial government in Negros Occidental to demand immediate food and production subsidies. By Karl…
Transport, Labor Strikes Loom Amid Threats of High Oil Hikes
Despite the Arroyo government’s constant refusal to address the lingering problem of excessive oil prices, PISTON, the country’s largest transport organization, presses the urgency for scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law. BY MAUREEN HERMITANIO Contributed to World crude oil prices shot up to a record high of $55 per barrel for Dubai crude last week.…
Lepanto Files Raps vs Mayor for ‘Assisting’ Workers
Mining giant Lepanto Consolidated, beset by a two-month old strike, filed charges of corrupt practices under Republic Act 3019 against the Mankayan mayor and his secretary because they gave the striking workers permit to rally. BY Artemio A. Dumlao Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com La Trinidad, Benguet— Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (Lepanto) has filed charges…
Police Break Up Miners’ Picket, Nab 2 Workers
At around 5:30 a.m., Aug. 6, over 100 armed police officers led by Maj. Brent Madiaco and Capt. Richard Abon dispersed striking workers picketing the Tubo gate. During the dispersal operations, police arrested Douglas Farnican and Francisco Dida. Workers believe that the arrests were part of a plan hatched by the PNP and the management…
Jeddah OFWs Beaten Up by Consulate Officials, Decry DFA Cover-up
Four members of Migrante sectoral party were reportedly beaten up by Philippine Consulate officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as they were heading for a dialogue. The consulate officials involved in the mauling should be fired and prosecuted, Migrante has demanded. BY AUBREY SC MAKILAN Bulatlat.com Overseas Filipino workers in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who…
Why Ofws Want Gloria to Resign
Migrants are understandably outraged over the recent expose of Mrs. Arroyo’s massive electoral fraud during the last elections. She stole and denigrated our historic first time overseas absentee votes. She flagrantly violated the sanctity of the ballot and now, she dares hide under “image make-overs”, public relations gimmicks, smear campaigns and outright harassment tactics directed…
Lepanto Miners Nabbed, Dispersed
While protests against the continued stay of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo heighten in Metro Manila and key cities nationwide, the workers at Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMCo) continue to fight for their rights and welfare. The management, however, with the help of the police, has only responded with violence at the picket line as the strike…
On 4th week of strike: 3,000 March vs Lepanto
A march-rally led by the Lepanto Employees Union (LEU) belied the claims of the Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (Lepanto) that 80 percent of the strikers want to return to work. BY Kim Quitasol and Abi Bengwayan Northern dispatch Posted by Bulatlat MANKAYAN, Benguet – A march-rally led by the Lepanto Employees Union (LEU) belied the…