Philippine police attack workers

Philippine police attack workers

Several dozen heavily armed members of the Philippine National Police's tactical response unit attacked striking workers outside the Royal Sweets factory in the Manila suburb of Pasig on February 25. Some 200 workers, mainly young women, have been on strike for six months against illegal dismissals and unfair labour practices.

The day before, 50 police officers, 30 security guards and the tactical response unit attacked a picket by Triumph workers in metro Manila. Three hundred workers are on strike at Triumph for better terms in their collective bargaining agreement, which is under negotiation.

The Royal Sweets workers responded to the violence by demonstrating outside the Pasig council offices on February 28. Their picket was again attacked in the early hours of the morning on February 29.

The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment has declared the Royal Sweets strike illegal. The authorities will make a final decision regarding the dispute on March 7. Another demonstration has been planned outside the hearing on the same day.

International solidarity is urgently needed. Please send protest letters to: President Joseph Estrada, Department of Labor and Employment, Malacanang Palace, Metro Manila, Philippines. Messages of support can be sent to <sonnym@csi.com.ph>.

From GLW issue 396