KMU to DOLE Sec: Stop retrenchment of 1,700 Triumph workers

Arroyo regime criticized for inaction, Cha-cha ambition

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno expressed solidarity with the protesting workers of Triumph International Philippines Inc. (TIPI) and likewise challenged Department of Labor and Employment Sec. Marianito Roque to stop the looming closure of the garments factory that will lay off 1,660 workers.

The workers, led by its union Bagong Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawa sa Triumph International, have been on picket-protest since last month to thwart the German multinational corporation’s scheme of evacuating its production materials from the plant, a measure that will cut employees’ working hours and is part of a plan to transfer operations.

“If the government is really sincere in its so-called emphasis on social protection in the face of the global crisis, then why is it that Sec. Roque and the Arroyo regime are mum on the looming retrenchment of thousands of Triumph workers?,” said Joselito Ustarez, KMU executive vice president.

“With the closure of Triumph International’s local company, thousands of Filipino families will bear the brunt of the massive layoff amid worsening economic condition. The company, on the other hand, runs away with superprofits it generated by pressing down wages for years. This is clearly a scenario that the Arroyo regime has perpetuated,” added Ustarez
 
Ustarez also said Triumph International’s tactic of relocation is aimed at busting the local union while also a move to maximize profits by moving into areas where wage levels are lower.

“Foreign corporations like Triumph International have a record of grossly violating workers’ rights for just wages and job security and running away with the plain excuse that they are affected by the global economic crisis. It is very unfortunate that workers, together with their families, always bear the real weight of the crisis after being laid off without receiving any benefit,” said Ustarez.

Worse to come under Cha-Cha
KMU also warned that more widespread and disastrous layoffs will ensue should Arroyo’s charter change scheme pushes through, saying “Cha-Cha’s intention of fully selling the Philippine economy and territory to foreign corporations will definitely make workers more vulnerable to massive layoffs and labor rights violations.”

“Tomorrow, Filipino workers will resoundingly oppose the 100% sellout of our economy to foreign interests as indicated in the Cha-Cha agenda of Gloria Arroyo. Nationalizing, rather than destroying, the local economy is the real solution to the crisis,” said Ustarez. ###