Submitted by KMU on Sat, 2006/11/11 - 2:56pm.
“With the worsening labor and human rights situation in the Philippines and the consequential rise of the number of people clamoring for a reversal of the trend, even big multinational companies (MNC’s) are forced to call to attention the continued and worsening abuse on the Filipino workers rights and the no-action policy of the Arroyo regime.”
This was the take of Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog, National Chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on the 2-page letter dated November 7, 2006 sent to Gloria Arroyo jointly signed by American Eagle Outfitters, Gap Inc., Jones Apparel Group, Liz Claiborne Inc., Philips-Van Heusen, Polo Ralp Lauren and Wal-Mart.
“Though we don’t see eye-to-eye with most of the policies of these companies, we are one with them in their position urging Arroyo to support, and fully cooperate with, independent and impartial investigations into the killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento, chair of the Board of Directors of the Workers Assistance Center, and the shooting of Gerardo Cristobal, former union president and a member of the Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW),” said Labog.
The letter also outlined the concerns of the MNC’s pertaining to the recent strikes of workers in Korean-owned Chong Won Fashion Inc. and Phils. Jeon Garments Inc., both in Cavite Export Processing Zone, which were both brutally attacked by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) police and security guards from Jantro Security Agency, causing 10 workers to suffer grave injuries.
“These are positive developments to our preparation for the International Day of Action to Stop Trade Union Repression and Political Killings in the Philippines scheduled for November 16, 2006. More and more people, local and international are taking notice and doing something to stop and reverse the trend of human and labor rights abuses in the Philippines,” added Labog.
Labog also urged more companies to do the same and maximize their golf sessions to discuss the labor and human rights situation in the country. He also suggested that companies withdraw financial support to the campaign kitty of Arroyo and the administration candidates for election 2007.
This was the take of Elmer “Ka Bong” Labog, National Chairperson of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) on the 2-page letter dated November 7, 2006 sent to Gloria Arroyo jointly signed by American Eagle Outfitters, Gap Inc., Jones Apparel Group, Liz Claiborne Inc., Philips-Van Heusen, Polo Ralp Lauren and Wal-Mart.
“Though we don’t see eye-to-eye with most of the policies of these companies, we are one with them in their position urging Arroyo to support, and fully cooperate with, independent and impartial investigations into the killing of Bishop Alberto Ramento, chair of the Board of Directors of the Workers Assistance Center, and the shooting of Gerardo Cristobal, former union president and a member of the Solidarity of Cavite Workers (SCW),” said Labog.
The letter also outlined the concerns of the MNC’s pertaining to the recent strikes of workers in Korean-owned Chong Won Fashion Inc. and Phils. Jeon Garments Inc., both in Cavite Export Processing Zone, which were both brutally attacked by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) police and security guards from Jantro Security Agency, causing 10 workers to suffer grave injuries.
“These are positive developments to our preparation for the International Day of Action to Stop Trade Union Repression and Political Killings in the Philippines scheduled for November 16, 2006. More and more people, local and international are taking notice and doing something to stop and reverse the trend of human and labor rights abuses in the Philippines,” added Labog.
Labog also urged more companies to do the same and maximize their golf sessions to discuss the labor and human rights situation in the country. He also suggested that companies withdraw financial support to the campaign kitty of Arroyo and the administration candidates for election 2007.
