KMU slams retrenchment of thousands of KFC workers by mere lie detector results; ‘Tactic highly abusive, inhumane’

Labor center Kilusang Mayo strongly denounced the management of KFC Philippines’ retrenchment of thousands of its workers nationwide using polygraph or lie detector test results as mere basis, saying such a tactic to maximize profits is “highly abusive and inhumane.”

KFC Philippines has weeded out workers in around 166 branches nationwide since 2007, according to the workers who filed a proposal for conciliation last May before the National Labor Relations Committee.

“Where on earth can you find a restaurant that boasts of finger-lickin’ good fried chicken but grossly exploits and deceives its workers using lie detector tests? It is absurd that aside from fabricated excuses of some companies supposedly hurt by the global crisis, we have here a company that uses polygraphs as an excuse to lay off workers,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairman
“The lie detector test is just an excuse, citing purported incompetence and failure to meet standards. In fact, KFC workers said that the management has already identified workers to be laid off even before any test is conducted, since some of those who do not take the test are still automatically dropped from service,” added Labog.

Labog said KFC also violates the labor code and international labor standards by using two cooperatives (Elixer and Topspot Multi-Purpose Cooperative) to maintain contractualization of workers and thus prevent the formation of a union.
“It is a clear attack against workers’ right to freely organize and establish unions and their right to be become regular employees after a certain period of time. This matter should be brought out in the open to serve as a warning to other companies that employ the same tactic of maintaining cooperatives. We are telling them: We are watching you” said Labog.

Labog said the legal and just option that must be offered to the workers by the management of KFC-Philippines is immediate reinstatement plus the abolition of the company-maintained cooperatives.

KFC workers have already put up a blogsite where workers from different branches can share their inputs regarding their fight (www.kfcrtmmove.blogspot.com).

Meanwhile, KMU is planning to launch a boycott campaign against KFC Philippines and to expose the unfair labor practices of KFC in the international scene.

“Once again, the grave labor flex schemes and anti-union stance of big companies under the Arroyo regime have been rendered concrete by the recent news of the situation of KFC workers, making Arroyo’s ninth SONA a most crucial venue for workers to express their condemnation of the Arroyo regime’s anti-labor policies.”

Labog said thousands of workers will pour out to the streets on July 27 when Gloria Arroyo delivers her SONA. ###

Reference person:
Elmer “Bong” Labog”, KMU Chairperson, 0929-629-3234