A total of 867 workers from the factories Charter Link Clark Inc. and La Rose Noire Philippines, based in Clark Freeport Zone, lost their jobs in December 2025.

La Rose Noire Philippines terminated 390 probationary or contractual workers for allegedly failing to meet the company’s strict standards. The company produces bread such as croissants and chocolate-based products. La Rose is a Swiss bakery with stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and North America. Its headquarters is in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Charter Link Clark Inc. closed shop, effectively terminating 477 workers. The company manufactures clothing for the brand Lululemon. It is a subsidiary of Charter Link Ltd based in Hong Kong.

The company claimed that orders for clothing had steadily declined for three years, with projected zero sales for 2026. The company promised to ensure the benefits, severance pay, and advance salaries of the workers. At the same time, it forced workers to sign release papers before Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials. The release papers or Release, Waiver, and Quitclaim (RWQ) are documents signed by terminated or resigned employees freeing the employer from liability such as claims or illegal dismissal in exchange for final pay or benefits. The company even threatened detaining the workers in the factory unless they sign the RWQ. The company informed workers of its closure during their Christmas party.

Union president Eric Nalam said that the company’s closure is clearly aimed at union busting after it won the illegal dismissal case he and the union vice president filed before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the Court of Appeals. He said the company clearly retaliated against workers who dared to fight for their rights.

The group calls on DOLE and Clark Development Corporation to investigate the company’s closure and ensure that workers receive proper compensation and benefits.