FACED with a labor strike running for more than a month now, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation (KMPC) have expressed concern over its potential adverse effects on all stakeholders.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he is worried about the potential effects of the workers’ strike being conducted by members of the Kawasaki United Labor Union (KULU) since May 21.
“I’m concerned that a strike and prolonged work stoppage are harmful to both parties, but more so for the workers,” said Laguesma.
In a statement, KMPC issued a similar concern, saying the ongoing labor dispute they have with KULU has a wider effect than in the past.
“The company warns that the continued work stoppage has resulted in serious operational disruptions, reputational harm, and significant financial losses, (thus) placing the livelihood of hundreds of employees at risk, not only to the union members, but to other employees as well,” said KMPC.
The workers’ strike began last May 21 after the collective bargaining negotiations between KMPC and KULU reached a deadlock over wage increases and other economic benefits.
As talks broke down, KMPC said KULU launched a strike that is now in its fourth week and has disrupted the company’s operations.
Asked if DOLE is now looking at declaring an Assumption of Jurisdiction by the Secretary of Labor and Employment, Laguesma answered in the negative.
“There’s no recommendation from the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) to assume (jurisdiction) as it continues to mediate for the parties to settle. I would consider it if there were a basis to exercise the extraordinary power of the secretary to assume (jurisdiction),” said Laguesma.
The KMPC said it continues to seek a peaceful resolution to the protracted labor dispute with KULU.
“KMPC remains open to voluntary arbitration, an option that the union reportedly rejected during one of the NCMB conferences,” said KMPC.
In the meantime, the subsidiary of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. (KMC) appealed to KULU to stop the alleged dissemination of misleading information depicting the company as abusive and non-compliant with Philippine labor laws.
“Such tactics go against the spirit of good faith negotiations and have disrupted the harmony we’ve maintained for decades,” said the firm.
KMPC also said that it is now considering legal action against those responsible for the reputational damage caused to the company.
“We all understand how much Japanese corporate culture values discretion and mutual respect. These actions have damaged that trust,” lamented KMPC.
