The 74-hour strike by workers of the Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers Union-National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno (NPIWU-NAFLU-KMU) compelled the multinational capitalist company to grant concessions to the workers, including the reinstatement of dismissed union leaders, wage increases, and other labor rights in negotiations for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The capitalists relented after the company reportedly lost an estimated ₱1.26 billion in revenue due to the nearly four-day strike, which began on the afternoon of March 5.

The union officially ended the strike on the afternoon of March 8. Striking workers collectively marched from the factory. They were met by fellow workers and other democratic sectors outside the Light Industry and Science Park (LISP) 1 in Cabuyao City, Laguna.

In the series of negotiations during the strike, the workes asserted the reinstatement of the union’s president Mary Ann Castillo and another dismissed union official. According to the union, the fight will continue for the reinstatement of two other union leaders who were terminated.

The workers also secured a ₱57 wage increase divided into three tranches. A daily wage increase of ₱17 will be implemented in 2024, ₱19 in 2025, and ₱21 in 2026. Nexperia also promised a ₱20,000 signing bonus, which workers will receive on April 15. The agreement clearly stipulates that no retaliatory actions will be taken against workers who participated in the strike.

During the strike, widespread support poured in for the workers amid pressure from Nexperia’s capitalists. Labor leaders from Kilusang Mayo Uno, fellow unionists, women’s groups, youth-student organizations, and other sectors visited the picket line outside LISP 1. Many also issued statements of support for the strike from overseas Filipino migrants in the US, Canada, countries in Europe and Asia, religious groups, academics, student councils, and others.

This support strengthened the resolve of striking workers despite food, water, and medicine blockades imposed by the capitalist. Electricity was also cut off for workers gathered inside when production stoppage began. As a result, two striking workers were rushed to the hospital due to illness. Several attempts were made to dismantle the strike and picket line outside the enclave through security guards and local government police.

The strike further highlighted Nexperia’s stance as a union buster. Foreigner and company general manager Gareth Hughes insulted and mocked Filipino workers during the strike. Meanwhile, the collusion between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was exposed when it issued a “return to work order” on March 7 following its “assumption of jurisdiction” (AJ) declaration on February 5.

The AJ is an order issued by DOLE secretary for labor disputes in industries deemed “vital to national interest.” It automatically block any strikes or lockouts and mandates workers to immediately return to work while company operations resume. Using AJ authority, DOLE can deploy police and military forces to suppress workers who defy this order.

“Despite blatant collusion between Nexperia management and DOLE, Nexperia workers valiantly upheld their strike,” stated NAFLU federation and KMU central union. According to their statement, this strike is historic as it is considered “the largest strike in the country in recent decades.”

“Our call resonated across every corner nationwide and even globally. It reached many who yearn for alleviation amid crises and seek ways to fight back. We clearly demonstrated this to them,” they said. The Nexperia workers’ work stoppage reportedly showed that “the strike is a weapon against exploitation and oppression—and only through struggle can we push back capitalist greed.”

Castillo said their strike was successful because many became aware of Nexperia workers’ conditions and joined their fight. She added that union members have become more courageous and are ready to fight further for their rights.