Labor groups protest MetroWear shutdown
CEBU, Philippines — Progressive groups and labor advocates have staged a protest on Monday, June 9, in front of the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE-7) and the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City, calling for an end to alleged repression, union-busting, and the ongoing three-month factory shutdown.
The protest was led by local groups including Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO Cebu), Partido Manggagawa (PM), and the Organization of Metrowear Employees for Empowerment and Genuine Action (OMEGA-PIGLAS).
The action formed part of a Global Day of Action supported by international labor groups, aiming to pressure MetroWear management and its parent company, Sport City International (SCI), to end alleged anti-union practices and resume operations following a controversial shutdown.
PM spokesperson Dennis Derige condemned the closure, warning that over 1,800 workers risk losing their jobs—an outcome that he said would further deteriorate labor conditions in Cebu.
He said the company blamed the shutdown on tariffs and the lingering impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on their orders. However, workers questioned this explanation, citing inconsistencies—particularly the fact that employees had still been working overtime.
Derige described the closure as appearing “calibrated,” with employees being terminated in batches over several weeks.
Five union officers, including Board of Directors member Zezzame Vistal, were recently dismissed under MetroWear’s controversial demerit system, which workers condemned as a targeted attack on union leaders.
“Sa among tan-aw, makita jud na discrimination jud ni siya. Kay ang mga gipang galaw mga union officer man,” said OMEGA-PIGLAS President Alvin Omila.
“Ang kaning termination, para namo di jud ni siya normal, union busting move ni siya,” he added.
Vistal, 30, who had worked at MetroWear for six years, shared what she believed was the real reason for her dismissal. She said she was terminated after reporting a co-worker who threatened her with a trimmer.
“Ako baya jud ang nireklamo sa HR, unya hasta ko giapil.”
She expressed sadness over her termination, saying that as a single parent, she had no one else to rely on to provide for her children.
Derige further alleged that MetroWear’s actions indicated union-busting, suggesting production may be transferred elsewhere since Lululemon’s orders reportedly continued.
Workers said they were driven to unionize due to high production quotas and excessive overtime, often skipping breaks just to meet targets.
The situation has revived concerns about the overall state of labor rights in the Philippines.
Derige noted that the country ranks among the world’s 10 worst places to work. “Nalulungkot kami pero mao mana ang reyalidad,” he said.
Union leaders also challenged the company’s justification for the shutdown, which cited poor performance at MetroWear 2.
Derige said when asked why only that facility was being shut down, management gave no clear explanation other than supposedly low performance.
Workers disputed this claim, questioning how performance could be deemed poor when they were consistently working overtime. They believe the real issue lies in management’s resistance to unionization.
When asked why the protest was held in front of DOLE-7, labor groups said they were urging the labor department to act quickly.
“Among hangyo or request sa DOLE nga adtuon nila and investigate kung tinood ba ang nahitabo,” said Derige.
He said DOLE has the authority to intervene and must send a Quick Action Team to investigate.
MetroWear 2, one of SCI’s six facilities in MEPZ, manufactures sports apparel for global brands, including Lululemon.
In March 2024, employees voted to unionize, and DOLE-7 certified the results, officially recognizing the union as the Sole and Exclusive Bargaining Agent (SEBA).
Despite this recognition, MetroWear management has allegedly refused to enter into negotiations. — CNU intern (FREEMAN)
- Latest
