Labor groups back striking workers of Keppel, Paul Yu

CEBU, Philippines – Hundreds of workers from over a dozen unions and associations in Metro Cebu held a “Day of Solidarity” rally in support of the embattled workers of Keppel shipyard and lampshade maker Paul Yu.

Some 300 workers joined the striking Keppel workers who held a rally expressing their demands and grievances against the management.

Partido ng Manggagawa-Cebu chairperson Greg Janginon said the Day of Solidarity was an opportunity for Cebuano workers to express their support and sympathy to fellow workers involved in labor disputes with the managements.

“We consider the fight of Keppel and Paul Yu workers as our own fight. An injury to one is an injury to all,” said Janginon, who is also the president of Prince Warehouse.

Members of the Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (NMB) Keppel Shipyard-National Federation of Labor (NFL) have been on strike since June 19, accusing the management of union busting.

The Paul Yu management has suspended more than 300 of its workers who went on strike in support of their seven leaders who were earlier suspended.

Roger Igot, president of the Keppel union, and Willy Dondoyano, head of the Paul Yu Workers Association, thanked the workers from other unions who attended the rally.

“We can only succeed in our struggle on the strength of the militancy of the workers and the solidarity of the labor movement,” Igot said.

The online campaign of the Paul Yu union generated sympathy worldwide as at least a thousand of supporters from more than 20 countries sent letters of protest to the management.

 “We appreciate the support from fellow Cebuano workers and unionists from abroad. This outpouring of solidarity encourages us to continue with the fight,” Dondoyano said.

Workers from Altamode, Sauna World, Giardini del Sole, Prince Warehouse, Neostone, General Milling Corp., Lami Foods and members of PM participated in the rally.

PM-Cebu spokesperson Dennis Derige said the workers vowed to continue with the solidarity rally until the Keppel and Paul Yu disputes are resolved.

Meanwhile, the AMA-Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno has condemned the Central Visayas office of the Social Security Service office for reportedly not obliging companies to remit the SSS contributions of workers.

 Elpedio Caterbas, an AMA-Sugbo-KMU official, said that many retrenched workers could not avail themselves of the P5,000 loan under the government program since the requirement depends on their contributions to the SSS.

In a statement sent to The Freeman, Caterbas said: “Non-remittance of SSS contribution is rampant practices among companies of Metro Cebu. This shows that the government is not serious in helping the workers with the SSS program in the time of crisis.” 

He added that the P12.5 billion fund from SSS contributions used in the Arroyo’s economic stimulus package will not go to the workers but instead be used by corrupt politicians for their campaign for the next elections. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN)