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16 August, 2006TMPCWA members beaten and shot at while protesting in front of the Department of Labour and Employment.
PHILIPPINES: The International Metalworkers' Federation has learned that at least 21 members of the Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Workers Association (TMPCWA) were arrested and are currently being detained by authorities following a demonstration in front of the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE).
What started as a peaceful action turned bloody as DOLE security attacked TMPCWA demonstrators.
Workers report that at 9:30 am, on August 16, a group of about 21 went to the DOLE to update their TMPWCA case. Armed DOLE security attempted to keep the group from entering, "...but some of TMPCWA members pushed through to the inside of the buildings. Five gunshots echoed while the securities of the buildings tried to hold us back. Some of the members suffered serious injuries from the bat of the securities namely Angelo Gavarra, Rommel Mariano, Manolito Gertes, Vergilio Colandog," said a TMPCWA member in an emailed update on the situation.
The police have charged TMPCWA members with damage to properties, assault, and inciting to sedition. Currently, all 21 workers in question are still being held at the Western Police District Headquarters in Manila.
The IMF sent a letter to the president of the Philippines expressing its deep concern for the health and safety of TMPCWA workers and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested.
The TMPCWA action was an effort to protest the DOLE's recent decision to declare the Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Labour Organisation (TMPCLO), a company-backed union, exclusive bargaining rights at Toyota Philippines Motor Corporation.
The TMPCWA have been struggling for union recognition at Toyota Philippines and fighting for the reinstatement of 136 workers who were illegally fired following a worker demonstration.
The IMF and its affiliates have maintained an ongoing campaign on behalf of worker rights for TMPCWA members. For more information about the IMF campaign go to: www.imfmetal.org/toyotaphilippines.
Update August 18, 2006--- All 21 TMPCWA members were released without charges.
What started as a peaceful action turned bloody as DOLE security attacked TMPCWA demonstrators.
Workers report that at 9:30 am, on August 16, a group of about 21 went to the DOLE to update their TMPWCA case. Armed DOLE security attempted to keep the group from entering, "...but some of TMPCWA members pushed through to the inside of the buildings. Five gunshots echoed while the securities of the buildings tried to hold us back. Some of the members suffered serious injuries from the bat of the securities namely Angelo Gavarra, Rommel Mariano, Manolito Gertes, Vergilio Colandog," said a TMPCWA member in an emailed update on the situation.
The police have charged TMPCWA members with damage to properties, assault, and inciting to sedition. Currently, all 21 workers in question are still being held at the Western Police District Headquarters in Manila.
The IMF sent a letter to the president of the Philippines expressing its deep concern for the health and safety of TMPCWA workers and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested.
The TMPCWA action was an effort to protest the DOLE's recent decision to declare the Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Labour Organisation (TMPCLO), a company-backed union, exclusive bargaining rights at Toyota Philippines Motor Corporation.
The TMPCWA have been struggling for union recognition at Toyota Philippines and fighting for the reinstatement of 136 workers who were illegally fired following a worker demonstration.
The IMF and its affiliates have maintained an ongoing campaign on behalf of worker rights for TMPCWA members. For more information about the IMF campaign go to: www.imfmetal.org/toyotaphilippines.
Update August 18, 2006--- All 21 TMPCWA members were released without charges.