By Maujerie Ann Miranda
The workers’ union at bike manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Phils. Corp. (KMPC) launched the first ever strike in the company’s history yesterday, May 21, following a deadlock in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.
The 57-year old Kawasaki United Labor Union (KULU) staged the strike at the company’s plant in Muntinlupa City in protest of the company’s refusal to negotiate.
The union said that the negotiations started almost a year ago but the company is now refusing to honor even its initial offer of a 7% wage increase.
Kawasaki has cited profit loss for refusing to negotiate, KULU said in a Facebook post.
KMPC produces 18, 000 motorcycles a month at its Muntinlupa plant, along with motorcycle components and power products for export, the company’s website reported.
It also offers spare parts service and repair.
KULU however said its demands are reasonable and will not cause financial loss or outright closure of the company.
“Our demand for right benefits and just wage increase is for our families to survive economic inflation,” the union said.
“Ang aming welga ay pagpapakita sa mga kapitalista o kumpanya ng aming kahalagahan o importansya sa kumpanya. Sa kabila ng pagod at sakripisyo sa pagbubuo ng produkto na nagbibigay kita ng bilyon-bilyon sa mga kapitalista ay hindi maibigay ang tamang benepisyo at nakabubuhay na sahod sa aming mga uring manggagawa,” the union added.
KULU also complained of harassment since yesterday’s strike launch, reporting that KMPC cut the branches giving shade to the strikers.
The company had also been blasting loud noises directed at the strikers.
“Ikalawang araw na patuloy na pagpapakita din sa amin ng management kung gaano sila kawalang puso,” said the union’s Facebook post.
The union vowed that the strike will continue until the company addresses their demands. #