Philippines military hold political forums in union workplaces

[Saorsa]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Militarization in Robina Farm Intensifies
Military Holds Series of Anti-Communist and Anti-union Symposia Among Workers

Antipolo City – Once again, militarization in workplaces intensifies. Last March 15 and 18, military officers from the 16th IBPA held a series of anti-communist and anti-union symposia to the workers of Rubina Farm 5 right inside the premises of the said company. The said symposia were held at 5:00 pm right after the workers reported out of duty. The military also scheduled a forum on Robina Hatchery 1 last March 23.

Also, yesterday, March 25, another military forum was set but failed to materialize after union officers persuaded the management to keep the military from holding another forum.

Workers and officials from the Robina Employees Union-Farm Division-ANGLO-KMU, decried that such military operations would further violate their rights to freedom of association with the military’s intensified harassment and surveillance.

Anti-communist and anti-union propaganda

Workers who attended the previous forums interviewed by CTUHR opted not to disclose their names said: “Wala naman kami natutunan tungkol sa pagpapaunlad ng produksyon at pagpapaganda ng kalagayan malayo sa sinabi nilang layunin ng forum.” (We learning nothing on how to develop our production and improve our situation, [it is] very far-fetched from what they said as the forum’s objective.”)

The forum, according to the workers, discussed about the evils and history of communism and how it was brought here from Russia. The military also said that the workers should not join their union in their fight against corruption because essentially all people are corrupt in their own ways. They also said that they have nothing against unions but urged the workers not to participate in union activities that may harm the good relationship between workers and employers. They also explained the arrest of the 43 health workers last month as righteous because the latter were in a bomb making seminar in Morong, Rizal when they were arrested. In the forum, the military also said that they confiscated firearms during their raid and even said that some of the 43 health workers already confessed that they are members of the CPP-NPA.

A certain “Joan” also spoke in the forum. She introduced herself as a former NPA member that returned to the folds of the law. She asked the workers to stop forwarding part of their union dues to their federation (which is ANGLO-KMU) and just save it to build a cooperative. She then offered assistance in organizing and running the cooperative.

Military-management connivance?

On the afternoon of March 4, officers of the union were reportedly on their way to a meeting with Dr. Linda De Guzman, Logistics Manager of the company. The meeting was supposed to tackle the workers request for vacation leave. However, as the union officers entered the office, they came across some military officers in uniform.

Upon seeing these, the workers asked Dr. De Guzman. Apparently, the military also met with the management about the former’s intention to conduct another round of symposiums on different farms of Robina in Antipolo. These forums reportedly were about the “Peaceful and Harmonious Relationship of Labor and Capital.” The management approved to the proposal stating that it is good for the workers to be “educated” by the military regarding peace and order inside the company.

Union officers tried to convince the manager to forbid the military in organizing symposiums but the management was not persuaded at that time.

Union officers hounded

Two officers who decided to disclose their names also reported that they are also being hounded by the military. One of them told CTUHR that during this month, military officers in owner-type jeep always search for him by asking the security guard of the farm where he is working and being invited for a meeting. The concerned security guard then informs the union officer not to show up or get out of the farm premises as he is extremely concerned on the safety of the union officer. As this tactic doesn’t seem to work, the military used a 16-18 year-old boy to hand over a letter to the union leader. The boy on many attempts also did not see the officer and failed to give the letter. The security guard asked the boy to hand over the letter through him but the boy did not want to.

During the March 4 meeting the two officers also received a warning from one of the manager that their life is in danger and they should be always careful.

Military’s intention

The union officers said that the military has no business inside their workplace. “Hindi nila kailangan magkaroon ng pag-aaral sa industrial peace dahil wala naman malalang sigalot sa pagitan namin at ng management. Katatapos lang ng CBA signing namin noong isang taon.” (There is no need to hold lectures on industrial peace because there is no conflict between us [the union] and the management. We just finished signing a CBA last year.”)

According to Leonardo “Ka Ben” Perez, ANGLO President there is a connivance between the management and the military because the management benefit too much from these incidents. It is all happening when the management implemented their Early Retirement Program for the regular employees and labor flexibilization scheme through the entry of a manpower agency.

“Gusto din nilang i-take-over ang Robina-Antipolo katulad ng ginawa nila sa Robina at Console Farm sa Bulacan” (“They also want to take over Robina Antipolo like what they did with Robina and Console Farm in Bulacan”), said Ka Ben citing the continuous military takeover of two ANGLO affiliated unions in San Miguel, Bulacan since 2005. Ka Ben told CTUHR that until now, the federation hardly communicates with the two local unions and the leaders there are required to report all of its activities to the military.

In Robina Bulacan, the union president is now a member of Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was forged between the Robina management and union last March 12. According to the workers there, the CBA negotiations lasted for barely one-hour that was signed and ratified only by the manager and the union president. The workers were afraid to react out of fear.

Rico Estarez the current president of the Console Farm union is still controlled by the military. According to reports that reached ANGLO, the military closely monitors all activities of the union especially Estarez. Even the minutes of the hearing in NLRC is being asked by the military. Since 2005 the two unions cannot send any representation to mobilizations, discussion or meetings called by their federation. #

For question contact Armand Hernando, [email protected]
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The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) is an independent NGO based in Quezon city, Philippines, engaged in documentation & monitoring of human rights violations committed against workers. It conducts research, information and supports advocacy campaign for workers' rights promotion and protection. For more information, call or fax:632.4110256 or visit www.ctuhr.org