ALU denies workers seized firm's vehicles

CEBU, Philippines – ALU-TUCP yesterday denied former workers seized vehicles rented by Chagrin Inc., the company in barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City that is trying to shake off accusations of unfair labor practices.

The denial came after the owner of the trucking company in Danao City and his drivers sought help from the union yesterday to allow their vehicles to move out from the premises of the export firm company.

ALU-TUCP's spokesperson Joy Lim yesterday said Ruhel "Cocoy" Maningo, the owner of the trucking services from which the export firm hired two dump trucks, a Mazda pick-up, and another multicab, had sought help from the union in bringing out the vehicles from the company's premises.

The vehicles alleged have been inside the premises since last Saturday evening.

According to Maningo's affidavit yesterday, he knew that he had entered into a dangerous transaction because it was the second time his vehicles were hired by the company to transport materials and workers.

But since he was persuaded by a certain "Beloy" last July 16 that everything was already settled between the strikers and the company, he agreed again to rent vehicles to the company.

However, Maningo said his company was not informed that the multi-cab Chagrin had rented would be used to transport armed men.

Maningo said when they were inside the company's premises, they heard gunshots.

He said that after unloading materials and dropping off workers, company guards prohibited them from leaving.

"Gi-ingnan daw sila sa mga guwardiya nga ayaw na lang mo ug biya kay naa dyuy dautan nga mahitabo sa inyo sa gawas, mora ba ug nag-create na nuon ug scenario ang management ba nga kami maoy nag-hostage nila aron mahimo ming negative among image sa public, Lim said.

Chagrin's legal counsel Ronald Baquiano yesterday confirmed that the company hired the trucking services of Maningo to transport workers who have been trapped inside the factory.

Baquiano said Maningo was not deceived because he already knew what was going on since it was his second time to transport the company's employees and materials.

He said management can not be blamed for what had happened to his vehicles. He denied management kept his vehicles against his will.

"Sila mismo maoy miduol dire aron magpatabang kay gigamit sila sa Chagrin Management ug wa sultihi sa tinuod nga nahitabo,busa naabtan ni sila dire ug hapon kay amo pa silang gi-interview," Lim said.

For two months now, former workers of R & Y Augousti are still holding a picket outside Chagrin Inc. which holds office at Dedon Building in barangay Pagsabungan, Mandaue City believing that their former company had changed its name and transferred its operation in the place and has even hired former co-workers.

The workers are accusing the company of being a run-away shop and of unfair labor practices such as union busting and flagrant and malicious violations of the economic provisions of their collective bargaining agreement. (THE FREEMAN)