Keppel labor conflict erupts again

CEBU, Philippines – The labor dispute at the Keppel shipyard erupted again after its employees’ union filed a notice of strike the other day before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

The Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Baradero (Keppel Shipyard)-National Federation of Labor alleged that the Keppel management resorted to union busting by declaring a one-month forced leave without a guarantee of workers returning to work.

“The virtual indefinite forced leave is a management maneuver to force workers to resign and destroy the union in the process,” Keppel union president Roger Igot said in a press statement sent to The Freeman.

Igot said that the difficulties faced by the Aboitiz-owned shipbuilding firm, FBMA Marine Inc., shows that Keppel’s shift to shipbuilding was a wrong decision.

He said they demanded that Keppel go back to ship repair so that workers can have their jobs again.

The Partido ng Mangagawang Pilipino is likewise seeking for a House inquiry into the allegation that Keppel management’s shift to shipbuilding was tantamount to economic sabotage. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN)