Workers fired from Philippine Gum Paste, Inc. (PGPI) picketed again before the company in Cubao, Quezon City on September 23 to condemn the management for its failure to give workers a fair separation pay. Several company departments, including the Icing, Gumpaste, Packing, and DIY departments in Quezon City closed on August 30 because the factory will transfer to Candelaria, Quezon.

Maegan Mateo, spokesperson for the fired workers, said the company abandoned them and gave them no fair compensation. “About 100 workers who been laid off have been working for the company for 2-28 years,” she said.

Almost a month since losing their jobs, some workers were forced to sign for “voluntary resignation” just to get the meager 13th month pay and Service Incentive Leave.

PGPI closed its factory in Quezon City to relocate to a larger factory in the Quezon province. PGPI insists it “offered” workers to move to the new factory. Mateo said “the company offered no relocation allowance, stay-in barracks, or any subsidy for transportation.”

Those who been fired see their struggle as a fight for all workers who need support. They invited the public, fellow workers, and other sectors to call for PGPI to respect the rights of their workers.

The Alliance of Nationalist and Genuine Labor Organizations-Kilusang Mayo Uno (ANGLO-KMU) federation has already expressed support for them.

PGPI is an icing factory that manufactures and exports sugar flowers and other items used for cake decorations. It is owned by George Tan. It supplies cake decorations to Red Ribbon, Goldilocks, Krispy Kreme and Dairy Queen. It also exports and supplies clients such as Canadian company Give and Go.