[WAC news alert] Korean factory hostage worker's rights for bankruptcy
Workers' Assistance Center
26 August 2006
Korean factory hostage worker's rights for bankruptcy
Union members of a Korean-owned factory decry the management's
propaganda move to discourage their fellow workers from supporting the
strike.
On August 18, a one-page leaflet was distributed to workers that
details the concerns of a possible closure, loss of job by workers and
non-payment of separation pay benefit once they pushed through with
their plans to hold a strike.
Although the leaflet, which was written in Tagalog, had no signatories
on it but the fact it was the company's security guard who gave them
to workers, it is an indication that the leaflet's distribution is
with consent by the management. The leaflet is obviously a propaganda
attacking the workers' right to negotiate for their welfare provided
by labour laws.
It can be recalled that union members of the Nagkakaisang Manggagawa sa
Chong Won (United Workers of Chong Won) voted yes to hold a strike
following a deadlock in the collective bargaining agreement negotiation
(CBA). The company, Chong Won Fashion, Inc., has continued on refusing
to begin the CBA negotiation.
The union leaders likewise condemned the management's claim as
deceiving that they have threatened or harass union members who would
vote against the strike.
"Hindi namin pwedeng gawin 'yun, iligal 'yun [threatening
workers] eh (We cannot do that, it is illegal)", according to one of
the union leaders.
Under the labour code, union members have a right to collectively
negotiate with the management for their rights and welfare. It is the
responsibilities of the company to settle their financial obligations
and debts, if there is any, and that the worker's welfare must not be
taken as hostage in any negotiation for this.
The union members and the management are supposed to hold a dialogue at
the office of the Cavite Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) on Friday,
August 25, but was postponed when the latter called it off. The
management claimed they have to postpone the dialogue for another
appointment but was later found to have none.
The union members have renewed calls for consumers to boycott their
produce products until their company begins the negotiation for their
CBA.
The company supplies garment products for the Wal-Mart, the biggest
retail stores in US. Their buyers also includes GAP, Target (Cherokee,
Mossimo), American Eagle Outfitters and Mervyn's.