Filipinos in Madagascar firm go on strike

MANILA, Philippines - A number of Filipinos employed by a construction company in Madagascar went on strike over alleged contract violations, an embassy report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The DFA tasked the Philippine embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, to look after the welfare of the Filipino workers who went on strike against the Kentz Engineering and Constructions in the Ambatovy Mining site in Tamatave, Madagascar.

The Filipino workers went on strike two weeks ago in accusing their employer of contract violations, delayed payment of salaries, nonpayment of overtime pay, unsuitable and overcrowded accommodations.

The reports added the strikes have ceased.

In a report to the DFA, the embassy in Kenya said 15 of the Filipino workers who requested repatriation were sent home while 70 others are staying at a hotel in Antananarivo, Madagascar awaiting their repatriation.

The embassy urged Kentz to address the complaints of the Filipino workers and allow the repatriation of the 70 other workers.

The Kentz gave assurance they would allow the repatriation of the 70 workers at the soonest time possible.

There has been some difficulty in securing flights for the 70 workers because of the lack of available flights during the recent holiday rush.

The embassy coordinated efforts with the representatives of the workers and the Philippine Society of Madagascar, which is also helping the embassy assist the workers.

The DFA also coordinated with the placement agencies of the workers in Manila to facilitate assistance.

In view of the difficulties encountered at the Ambatovy project, the embassy is planning to dispatch a consular team to Madagascar at the soonest time possible.

The embassy conducted two consular missions to Madagascar earlier this year. Last October, two embassy officials visited the Ambatovy worksite. At that time, there were no complaints about working and living conditions yet.

Another report from the embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia said the police freed a Filipino worker who was jailed for allegedly smuggling 150 kilos of bronze scrap metal from his company compound after being pardoned by his employer.

The DFA said the still unnamed Filipino worker was even allowed by his employer to be repatriated.