18 December, 2024Interfering in union activities, Nexperia Philippines has unfairly dismissed four union officials, including the union president Mary Ann Castillo.
Nexperia Philippines Inc Workers’ Union is affiliated with IndustriALL Global Union through Metal Workers Alliance of the Philippines (MWAP). After Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers’ Union successfully negotiated a return to work for workers laid off in October, the union resumed collective bargaining with the employer.
But yesterday, Nexperia Philippines dismissed four union leaders, accusing them of having blocked entry and exit points on 15 November. However, the union officials were merely updating members on the status of collective bargaining.
The union says that the action demonstrates the employer’s bad faith in the CBA negotiations and aims to undermine the union. The union has been subjected to union busting and unfair labour practices throughout the year, and several strike notices have been filed for ongoing disputes.
MWAP secretary Julius Carandang, says:
“The nearly year-long CBA negotiations have caused significant pressure on the workers, resulting in a deadlock forcing them to file a strike notice. This action is a clear response to management's inaction in addressing the union’s reasonable demands for better working conditions and adequate benefits.
“MWAP’s call for unity among all workers, particularly in the electronics sector, is crucial in demonstrating collective strength against any form of exploitation. The fight of Nexperia workers is also the fight of all Filipino workers striving for humane treatment, fair wages and job security.”
Alexander Ivanou, IndustriALL director of ICT, electrical and electronics industries, says:
“IndustriALL strongly condemns the unjust dismissal of four union leaders, including the union president. This is a blatant attack on workers' rights aimed at undermining the union and its collective bargaining efforts. The retaliatory actions confirm the company’s bad faith and persistent union-busting throughout 2024. We stand in solidarity with the union and call on Nexperia to reinstate the dismissed leaders immediately and respect workers’ rights to fair treatment and negotiation.”
Photo credit: MWAP