Nissan claims losses of P30M due to strike

Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. (NMPI) claimed over the weekend that the company has already incurred losses of at least P30 million since the management shut down its Sta. Rosa plant due to a labor dispute.

NMPI has also expressed concern about its long-term operations and further investments in the country.

NMPI assistant vice president for corporate planning Val de Leon said that the labor dispute is more than simply an issue of wages and benefits.

"The result of the CBA affects long-term operations of the company and its future investments in the Philippines," he said.

De Leon said that NMPI management has been in negotiations with its union since May 3 this year.

However, "due to the unreasonable demands of the union", management and labor failed to reach the agreement.

The NMPI executive warned that "considering the growing seriousness of the situation now, management may have no choice but to consider other options to resolve this matter."

Unfortunately, De Leon did not elaborate on that "options" NMPI would take.

He stressed, though, that a sustained episode of labor unrest has far-reaching effects on the industry and the economy as a whole.

The NMPI official further argued that since the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the US, global employment levels have gone down. He said that "it would be for the benefit of the Philippine economy if industrial peace is maintained, otherwise, there would be no competitive edge for Philippine investments."

"Our workers should appreciate having their jobs, and focus on doing their part to make investment attractive here," he added.

An estimated 280 employees out of Nissan’s 500-plus workforce joined the strike.

Nissan is the second local assembler in seven months to be forcibly closed due to a disagreement.

De Leon assured Nissan customers of "continued dependable service and the availability of spare parts." Nissan’s dealer network all over the country, NMPI announced, remain fully operational, between management and labor.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. incurred P150 million in losses after a labor strike shut down its Sta. Rosa plant. – Marianne Go