By ThePILLARS Publication โข March 8, 2025
Visuals by ThePILLARS Publication
Workers from Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers Union (NPIWU) staged a protest at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to demand better wages, job security, and benefits. The demonstration coincided with the third conciliation session between the union and Nexperia management after DOLE's declaration of Assumption of Jurisdiction (AJ) on 5 February.
The union opposes the AJ ruling, which grants DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma authority to intervene in the labor dispute, including possible police and military involvement in the ongoing strike.
Tensions escalated when Nexperia security personnel blocked deliveries of food, water, and medicine intended for the striking workers inside the factory. Reports indicated that food meant for the workers was destroyed, and essential supplies remained prohibited.
Meanwhile, the union continues to object the company's P17 wage increase offer, far below its demand for a P50 increase. It also denounces mass layoffs and unlawful terminations, including the dismissal of four union leaders.
In a recent development, DOLE issued a return-to-work order, paving the way for a violent dispersal of the striking workers after several eviction attempts by Nexperiaโs security and PNP Cabuyao forces. The NPIWU, supported by various progressive groups, announced the strike as a stance against low wages, layoffs, and stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.
"Secretary [Bienvenido] Laguesma should push Nexperia to come to the negotiating table because until the four officials are reinstated, the reasons for our strike remain!" wrote NPIWU in a Facebook post.
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