Terminated mall workers won't stop holding picket

CEBU - Until the management listens to their call, the terminated workers of Gaisano Capital South said they will not stop from holding a picket outside the mall.

About 26 of the workers, all members of the Independent Labor Association of Workers of Gaisano South, have accused the mall’s management, Taipan Development Corporation, of unfair labor practice.

Joy Lim, spokesperson of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines to which ILAW is an affiliate, said the permanent injunction issued by the National Labor Relations Commission against them reportedly could not prevent them from picketing because what they are doing is legal.

ILAW-ALU-TUCP started picketing since the middle of August following the termination of the Gaisano workers.

Aside from allegations of unfair labor practice, the group has also questioned some “unfair” provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the management and employees, among which is the issue on the salary of the workers, which is reportedly below the minimum.

Lim said the management owes ILAW-ALU TUCP some recognition because the union is legal and registered with the Department of Labor and Employment, contrary to what the management insisted that another ILAW exists with whom it signed the CBA.

Lim said they will not agree to any mediation unless the management recalls the suspension memorandum it issued to the 26 workers. – Jessica Ann Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)