18 October, 2024The Metal Workers' Alliance of the Philippines (MWAP) succeeded in a campaign for job security at Nexperia Philippines Inc, on 18 October.
After eight months of engagement with company management including the attempt to file a notice of strike, Nexperia Inc Workers’ Union successfully secured a settlement agreement with the company that the union members who were laid-off can return to work.
The Nexperia Inc Workers’ Union is affiliated with IndustriALL Global Union through MWAP.
The laid-off workers will be the first to be rehired for vacant positions. Both parties agreed that no strike notice will be filed and to abstain from any retaliatory action. The company imposed a moratorium on lay-offs until 31 December 2024.
MWAP secretary, Julius Carandang, said :
“As all of our demands are not yet met, we need to remain determined to strengthen our actions to consolidate, as the capitalist remains greedy and threatens our income. We should be prepared for any result of the collective bargaining negotiations and, if needed, continue our struggle until victory.”
IndustriALL regional secretary for South East Asia Ramon Certeza said :
“I congratulate MWAP and Nexperia Inc Workers’ Union for the successful fight against unfair labour practice and unreasonable layoff plan. The victory will give an inspiration to other semiconductor workers in the region that a collective effort through the union platform can ensure job security and defend workers’ rights.”
In February 2024, Nexperia Philippines closed its sensors department in Laguna, Philippines and commenced the layoffs of 54 workers including three union officials. It planned to lay-off another 72 workers in October and offered a voluntary separation package to workers.
The union called on the company to halt the plans. Despite the claims of low business volume, the workers were required to work during holidays and difficult to get leave approvals.
In April and August 2024, IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie, addressed national and global management of Nexperia urging them to reinstate the union officials and respect the last in first out principle stated in the collective agreement.
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