As 2024 comes to a close, workers at Nexperia Philippines Inc., led by their union, the Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers’ Union-National Federation of Labor Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno (NPIWU-NAFLU-KMU), have once again filed a “notice of strike” on December 10 with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Region IV-A in Calamba, Laguna. This action is a response to the company’s year-long delay and a deadlock in a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.

“The issue of deadlock in CBA negotiations between the union and Nexperia is a clear example of capitalist exploitation of workers,” the union said. Negotiations began in the last week of January and reached their 21st session on November 29, but the management has agreed to none of the union’s demands.

“From the start of negotiations, Nexperia has not provided a fair counterproposal. Instead, the company has continued to reject the union’s offers,” the union explained. The workers have repeatedly made several “adjustments” to the CBA, but Nexperia’s management remains reluctant to meet their just demands.

Nexperia Philippines has offered a daily wage increase of ₱17 and a signing bonus of ₱15,000. The union insists that this should be raised to ₱50 per day to be even remotely acceptable given their situation.

The capitalists repeatedly use the “low production volume” excuse to refuse the union’s demands. “Actual figures and observations within the plant, such as high quotas and increased influx of raw materials and new customers, show otherwise,” the union stated.

Moreover, Nexperia has responded to the workers’ struggles with various forms of pressure and maneuvering. In recent months, NPIWU has observed management’s clear steps to dismantle the union. It has filed various cases against union officials for “obstruction” during gatherings with their members, barred access to certain facilities for updating membership information, and other maneuvers.

Success of initial strike plan

It can be recalled that Nexperia workers led by NPIWU decided to go on strike on July 29-30 after securing a majority strike vote. They filed a “notice of strike” on June 26 on the basis of unfair working conditions such as the removal of union officials, temporary dismissals of union members, and violations of provisions outlined in the previous CBA.

The series of layoffs at the company since 2023 have affected nearly 600 workers. Management used “automation” and “cost optimization” as reasons for implementing mass layoffs during that time.

The determination of the union and its workers compelled management to respect the union and workers’ rights regarding job security. In an agreement reached on September 18, the company promised to reinstate those who were laid off, extend benefits, and increase separation pay for workers.

The union also pushed the management for a moratorium from further layoffs until the end of the year and to continue negotiations for a new CBA. As a result, the union withdrew its planned strike that workers had voted on.

Workers are currently determined to demand fair wage increases and other rights. NCMB will facilitate the discussions between both parties regarding the “notice of strike” on December 12.

“Nexperia’s actions show their intention to dismantle the union and undermine workers’ rights; however, the continued collective struggle among workers is essential for protecting their rights and ensuring the benefit from their hard work and sacrifices,” NPIWU stated.

Nexperia Philippines is a subsidiary of The Netherlands-based Nexperia. It manufactures semiconductors in its factories across Europe, Asia, and the US.