A labor group on Wednesday called for government intervention to address the alleged illegal means of economic zones locators in getting rid of labor unions.
In a news statement, Partido Manggagawa Chairman Renato Magtubo said they have monitored Sejung Apparel Inc. (SJI) of allegedly using the threat of a “lockout” in its ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiation deadlock with its unions.
Magtubo said the issue stemmed from the alleged lockout implemented by the SJI management, which is located at the First Cavite Industrial Estate in Dasmariñas, Cavite, after its workers decided to organize last August.
SJI cited lack of orders for the temporary closure.
“In August, workers voted to be represented by a union. Two weeks ago, the union submitted a proposal for a collective bargaining agreement,” Magtubo said. “After just a week, the company suddenly declared a temporary closure allegedly for lack of orders. Workers, however, contend that there [are still] pending order[s]…abruptly stopped by the management,” he added.
The issue prompted SJI workers to file a notice of strike at the Department of Labor and Employment.