[APWSLMembers 323] Toyota Philippines workers arrested

[Oidon]

IMF / News article

Toyota Philippines workers arrested
http://www.imfmetal.org/main/index.cfm?n=47&l=2&c=14515

TMPCWA members beaten and shot at while protesting in front of the
Department of Labour and Employment.

PHILIPPINES: The International Metalworkers・Federation has learned that
at least 21 members of the Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Workers
Association (TMPCWA) were arrested and are currently being detained by
authorities following a demonstration in front of the Department of
Labour and Employment (DOLE).
What started as a peaceful action turned bloody as DOLE security
attacked TMPCWA demonstrators.

Workers report that at 9:30 am, on August 16, a group of about 21 went
to the DOLE to update their TMPWCA case. Armed DOLE security attempted
to keep the group from entering, 套but some of TMPCWA members pushed
through to the inside of the buildings. Five gunshots echoed while the
securities of the buildings tried to hold us back. Some of the members
suffered serious injuries from the bat of the securities namely Angelo
Gavarra, Rommel Mariano, Manolito Gertes, Vergilio Colandog,・said a
TMPCWA member in an emailed update on the situation.

The police have charged TMPCWA members with damage to properties,
assault, and inciting to sedition. Currently, all 21 workers in question
are still being held at the Western Police District Headquarters in
Manila.

The IMF sent a letter
<http://www.imfmetal.org/main/files/06081618220184/protest_detention.pdf
>
 to the president of the Philippines expressing its deep concern for the
health and safety of TMPCWA workers and calling for the immediate and
unconditional release of those arrested.

The TMPCWA action was an effort to protest the DOLE's recent decision to
declare the Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Labour Organisation
(TMPCLO), a company-backed union, exclusive bargaining rights at Toyota
Philippines Motor Corporation.

The TMPCWA have been struggling for union recognition at Toyota
Philippines and fighting for the reinstatement of 136 workers who were
illegally fired following a worker demonstration.

The IMF and its affiliates have maintained an ongoing campaign on behalf
of worker rights for TMPCWA members. For more information about the IMF
campaign go to: www.imfmetal.org/toyotaphilippines.

[Updated August 17, 2006]


[August 16, 2006] KP