Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Another Update on Paul Yu Workers Struggle

July 8, 2009

A shipment meant for delivery to Pier 1 and Conforama, Paul Yu's major customers, consisting of 4 container vans worth P16 million (approximately US$320,000) has left the factory after having been put on hold for several days. The workers still do not any information why the shipment was temporarily put on hold but now released.

No auditors or inspectors have been to the factory from either Pier 1 or Conforama despite the information provided the companies regarding workers complaints of labor rights violations and infractions as per their vendor codes of conduct.

In a small victory, the hearing being conducted at the Labor Department on workers money claims for 13th month pay, paternity leave, service incentive leave (equivalent to sick leave/vacation leave) is about to end with management agreeing to pay the workers 3 years back in unpaid benefits. The only item left unsettled is the agency workers claims for wage differential (they were paid below the wage minimum until recently) for the last 3 years (the legal limit to claim unpaid benefits).

The issue of reduction of workdays and suspension of workers were referred or remanded to the National Conciliation and Mediation Board and the National Labor Relations Commission. Nothing happening yet on that front.

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