Group: More MEPZ workers lose jobs

CEBU, Philippines — Some 337 workers under an electronics solution provider company located at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu have lost their jobs after their operations recently shut down.

With this, Cebu-based cause-oriented group AMA Sugbo-KMU stressed on the country’s need to strengthen its industrialization efforts.

According to the group, the recent layoff of 337 workers adds to more job losses under this special economic zone.

Last May 2024, more than 4,577 workers were laid off while another 500 were placed on forced leave, AMA Sugbo-KMU disclosed.

In 2020, a total of 4,420 garment workers were also reported to have been laid off and another 4,000 in the next two years.

This series of layoffs, according to AMA Sugbo-KMU, shows the vulnerability of the economy, which relies solely on foreign investors.

The group said that the government’s policy, regardless of who is in Malacañang, continues to encourage foreign investors through low wages, flexible labor supported by contractualization, and restrictions on workers’ rights to unionize by red-tagging those who organize unions.

“Through this, workers are prevented from uniting,” said Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of AMA-SUGBO-KMU said.

In these situations, Paglinawan pointed out that the threat workers face persists, with a significant risk of job loss due to capitalist opposition to any wage increase despite their substantial profits, while adding that the current condition leads to families of workers struggling even more with rising costs of living, while millions remain unemployed and underemployed.

“This proves the urgent and significant need for national industrialization, including the long-standing demand for genuine land reform as programs the government should implement,” Paglinawan added.

If the needs of Filipinos are addressed, including the provision of better transportation, household basic needs, office supplies, and agricultural tools like tractors, the group said more jobs can be created.

"Through genuine land reform, we can improve our agriculture, where our vast lands can serve as sources of raw materials. This way, we can ensure that many jobs are created that will allow workers to purchase their products and afford necessities for a decent living,” added Paglinawan. — (FREEMAN)