SUPER 8 WORKERS’ VICTORY. The Samahang Manggagawa ng Super 8 Retail System Incorporated successfully conducted a black shirt protest and production slowdown last May 8. This was launched in condemnation of the suspension of 15 of their co-workers who refused to work overtime on May 4. The suspended workers were reinstated immediately after a dialogue with the management. They were also able to lay down their contention against inhumane overtime work.

Meanwhile, relatives and co-workers of the Kentex 72 commemorated the death anniversary of the victims last May 12 in Valenzuela City. The Workers Rights and Advocates Network called for justice and demanded to hold the Kentex management accountable.
In a related news, Kilos na Manggagawa trooped to the Regional Wage Board office in the National Capital Region on May 20 after employers submitted a Motion to Dismiss the workers’ petition for higher wages in the region.

PROTEST AGAINST BACIWA. Consecutive protests and noise barrages were held by union members of the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) in front of their office on the third week of May.

The union condemned the decision of the BACIWA Board of Directors to enter into a 25-year joint venture agreement with Prime Water, a private company. If the agreement materializes, Prime Water will own 80% of BACIWA and only 20% will be left for the government.

According to the union, this will adversely affect 520 employees. Similarly, consumers will have to shoulder a 12% value added tax due to its transfer to a private entity.