Workers fired from Toyota Motors Philippines more than two decades ago staged a picket before the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City on March 16. They called for justice for more than 230 members of Toyota Motors Philippines Corporation Workers Association (TMPCWA-ZENZOSEN) illegally dismissed by Toyota in 2001. The workers came from Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, and Laguna.

Even after 23 years, TMPCWA continues to fight for and demand the capitalist and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to respect their rights as workers. They said they will not stop until they get the justice they and their families deserve.

Workers at the Toyota Santa Rosa also demanded the new Toyota Motors Philippines president, Masando Hashimoto, to act on these long-standing grievance.

Toyota workers were laid off in 2001 following the union’s demand for collective bargaining negotiations with the company. Following mass layoffs, the union went on strike in March 2001. Four more union members were fired by the company in August of that year.

TMPCWA is informing the Japan government that it is accountable to the workers and must follow the recommendations of the International Labor Organization (ILO) to respect workers’ rights in the country.