Workers of Japanese firm in Laguna threaten to go on strike

A strike threatens the industrial peace in Laguna as suspended workers of Japanese-owned Chiyoda Integre Philippines Inc. announced Friday plans to go on strike over what they called management's union-busting tactics. Chiyoda workers made this claim in a statement on the Kilusang Mayo Uno website Friday, following a picket near their workplace in Cabuyao, Laguna Thursday. Joining some 51 Chiyoda workers in the picket were workers from other companies who expressed support to the Chiyoda workers. "The management is pushing us against the wall. We are left with no option but to carry on the workers' highest form of action – to strike," said Felimon Alfiler, president of union Tunay at Lumalaban para sa Ikatatatag ng Manggagawa sa Chiyoda-Independent (TALIM-Chiyoda-Independent). The union filed a notice of strike with the Bureau of Labor Relations Region IV last June 21, a day after they were detained for almost six hours at the company canteen. "Although the management's charges against us were lessened to suspension, it is still uncertain whether it will keep its word and look into our demands to recognize the union and push for collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations," the workers said. Last June 18, Chiyoda management served notices of dismissal to 51 workers, all of whom belong to the 68-member union membership. Union officers and members were charged of "inciting or participating in riots, disorders, illegal strikes or concerted actions to the company interests." The charges were dropped to a 30-day preventive suspension on June 22. - GMANews.TV