Alta Mode workers hold picket

CEBU, Philippines - Workers of Alta Mode, Incorporated held an impromptu picket yesterday outside the gates of the Mactan Economic Zone after they were refused entry into the company.

Renanto Pelino, president of the Alta Mode Workers Union, said yesterday’s picket was the start of their continued protest action against the garments factory for alleged union busting committed by the management in the guise of a shutdown.

 “We challenge management to come and justify the impending closure. A written notice cannot answer the workers’ questions on the factory shutdown,” Pelino said in a press statement.

 During the strike voting last Friday, AMWU members voted 84 against one vote in favor of holding a strike. Only five AMWU members were absent during the voting.

The day before the strike vote, AMWU officers filed a notice of strike before the Department of Labor and Employment in Cebu City.

 In the written notice, the management of Alta Mode claimed that financial losses constrained them to close the factory come March 15, but AMWU members believe otherwise and accused the management of trying to bust the union.

 Meanwhile, labor group Partido ng Manggagawa has declared its support for the embattled labor union.

Dennis Derige, spokesperson for PM in Cebu, called on all export zone workers to rally behind the Alta Mode workers.

“Since the start of the global recession, workers have struggles against layoffs, reduced workdays, poor working conditions and the right to organize,” Derige said.- Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)