Skyway workers protest Indon firm’s takeover

Workers of the PNCC (Philippine National Construction Corp.)-Skyway Corp. or PSC staged a protest action yesterday morning over the alleged termination of around 800 employees of the company.

The protesters, who marched along the South Luzon Expressway starting at about 8 a.m. from Bicutan, expressed their indignation over what they said was the illegal dismissal of the employees, which will take effect today.

Rene Soriano, president of the PNCC Skyway Security Department Workers’ Organization, said the takeover of the Indonesian-owned Citra of the Skyway operations, is questionable.

“We are protesting this move as it is unfair to the many workers of the company,” Soriano said. “While we face the grim reality of joblessness by the New Year, the riding public would also be slapped with higher toll fees as Citra would be allowed to jack up its collection by up to 150 percent.”

Jose Apollo Ado, president of PSC Employees Union, said, “It is unconscionable and disgusting how the management of Skyway Corp., Citra and the PNCC have remained callous to our demands for the retention of all its workers.”

He said workers to be affected include booth tellers, company guards, maintenance workers, drivers, and workers in support services.

The union officials also expressed opposition to the signing of the Amended Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (ASTOA).

“The ASTOA had been negotiated and signed behind workers’ backs. It was negotiated to take out the unions in Skyway to allow Citra to replace us,” Ado said.

Furthermore, he said that with the “takeover,” the Philippine government is obligated to take over the project roads, assume all attendant liabilities and pay just compensation to the company in the event of, among others, non-implementation of initial or periodic toll rate adjustment or both.

“In other words, Citra is guaranteed of profits whether or not it is competent to run the Skyway,” Ado added.

The march, which contributed to traffic build-up in the area, ended at the Nichols toll plaza at around 9:30 a.m.