Nestlé milk supply to continue

Food company Nestlé Philippines has assured consumers of the continued supply of its milk products for the domestic and export markets.

This developed after the Philippine National Police (PNP) peacefully enforced yesterday a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) order to open the barricaded gates of the food company’s factory in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas earlier directed the PNP to ensure free entry and exit from the factory and remove all obstructions put up by the company union since a strike started two weeks ago.

In a statement, Nestlé director for communications Pedro Dy-Liacco said they expect operations in the company’s largest manufacturing facility in the country to normalize soon.

"We wish to thank the PNP for its well-coordinated efforts to enforce the secretary’s order peacefully and successfully," Dy-Liaco said. "The company can now exercise its right to free entry and exit from the factory. The positive development will also allow us to continue honoring our supply commitments, both here and abroad."

Last Nov. 29, Sto. Tomas assumed jurisdiction of the labor dispute between Nestlé management and the union from the Cabuyao factory. The assumed jurisdiction prevents both management and the union from conducting any act that can worsen the dispute, such as a strike on the part of the union or a lockout on the part of management.

Last Jan. 14, the Cabuyao union violated the order and went on strike, putting up illegal barricades, preventing employees and suppliers from freely entering and exiting the factory.

DOLE issued a return-to-work order on Jan. 16, but the union likewise defied the order, prompting the labor secretary to order the PNP to open the factory gates.