The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) denounced Paperland Inc. for the illegal dismissal of Militanteng Manggagawa ng Paperland Inc. (MMPI-ANGLO-KMU) union president on December 22. Renato Ayroso was fired for asserting their right to a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and other workers’ rights.

According to KMU, the capitalist charged Ayroso with “insubordination.” “Ayroso has long been targeted for his fight for the CBA, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) inspections, and workers’ rights,” the militant labor center stated.

The capitalists started harassing Ayroso after MMPI successfully pushed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct OSH inspections at the factory in May. Subsequently, Ayroso was suspended for 21 days for allegedly sabotaging a paper roll even without evidence.

The suspension was followed by a three-day factory shutdown, citing low paper orders, resulting in a reduced work week.

Plant manager Jaime Abrenica subjected Ayroso to verbal abuse and threats on September 12. Instead of addressing the issue, the management accused Ayroso of threatening a fellow worker. Management even schemed to pressure Ayroso with threats of termination.

In defense of their president and union, workers staged a protest in front of the factory in Quezon City on October 17. They again joined forces with other workers in a protest in front of DOLE in Intramuros, Manila, on December 23.

MMPI workers joined forces with Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers’ Union (NPIWU-NAFLU-KMU) members during the protest to condemn DOLE for its inaction regarding blatant violations of workers’ rights. Capitalist Nexperia illegally dismissed four NPIWU officials including its president on December 17.

“Bongbong Marcos remains subservient to capitalists, allowing union-busting and worker terminations. This is has happened before and it will happen again,” KMU asserted.

In response, the group called upon workers nationwide to unite, participate in protests against oppressive capitalists, defend their unions, and resist terminations.