Kawasaki says its compensation practices fair, competitive amid strike

Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation (KMPC) on Tuesday defended its compensation practices as fair and competitive, as its labor union's strike continues.

“Like many companies, we were hit hard during the pandemic,” the KMPC said in a press release. ''But we never cut back on supporting our employees. We’ve continued to provide competitive pay and meaningful benefits."

The company said that despite setbacks from the pandemic including reduced sales and production, it has consistently prioritized employee welfare by offering wages and benefits that outpace inflation.

The statement came after the Kawasaki United Labor Union (KULU) filed a manifestation before the Department of Labor and Employment-National Conciliation and Mediation Board, saying that its strike, launched in May, was legal.

KULU said that “there is nothing in the Labor Code that prohibits and prevents the Pilipino working man from declaring a strike on CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiations deadlock.”

This was in response to the complaint lodged by Kawasaki before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) by KMPC, asking for the strike to be declared illegal.

The KMPC said its average salary for rank-and-file workers is already at around P38,000 per month, more than double the national poverty threshold for a family of five. 

Aside from wages, the company stressed that it also provides ''generous bonuses and full benefits,'' typically giving up to a 16th month pay bonus.

Its benefits package also includes family health coverage, rice and transport allowances, production and subsistence incentives, and vacation and sick leave above legal requirements. — BM, GMA Integrated News