[APWSLMembers 374] International Action to Support Toyota Workers

[Oidon]

International Action to Support Toyota Workers　　　21/9/2006
 http://www.amwu.asn.au/default.asp?action=LoadArticle&ID=2631

　　AMWU members led rallies outside Japanese consulates in Australian
capital cities this week, protesting about Japanese auto giant, Toyota,
which has been in dispute with its Philippines workforce for over 6
years.

      The company has ignored orders from the Philippines Supreme Court
and set up its own, company controlled, ‘union’ to avoid collective
negotiations with its Filipino workforce.

      The six-year battle for union recognition came to a head when
police attacked protesting Toyota unionists, seriously injuring six and
arresting 21 workers on August 16.

      AMWU members presented petitions to consular officials demanding
that the Japanese Government exert pressure on Toyota to negotiate a
collective agreement and reinstate 226 workers illegally dismissed for
taking part in a union meeting.

      “Workers have been suppressed by troops using live ammunition and
refused their right to collectively bargain,” AMWU National President,
Julius Roe, said.

      “The Japanese Government has influence over both Toyota and the
Philippines Government.

      “It should insist on Toyota abiding by international labour
standards by re-instating the dismissed workers and negotiating an
agreement with them.”

      The stand-off began six years when employees voted to have the
Toyota Motor Philippine Corporation Workers Association (TMPCWA) as
their bargaining agent.

      Toyota refused to collectively bargain or recognise the union and
fired 227 union members.

      In September, 2003, the Supreme Court of the Philippines order the
motor company to start collective bargaining.  Two months later, the
International Labour Organisation found Toyota and the Philippines
Government in breach of core labour standards.

      The International Metalworkers Federation, which has 25 million
members worldwide, is spearheading the campaign for the immediate
reinstatement of Toyota workers.

      It is also demanding that Toyota Philippines recognises their
right to form a union and to collectively bargain.

      Contact Person: Julius Roe
      Contact Email: amwu2 at amwu.asn.au