Paperland union workers recently condemned the company’s illegal shutdown and the harassment of its leader, Renato “Rey” Ayroso. The workers held the picket in front of the factory in Quezon City on October 17 to denounce the management’s union busting attempts and maneuvers to remove Ayroso. Paperland is a paper manufacturing company.

“The management has been attacking the union since it asked DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) in May to inspect Paperland for its OSH (occupation safety and health) violations,” Ayroso said during the protest. He was illegally suspended for 21 days for allegedly sabotaging paper rolls.

The suspension was followed by the closure of the factory for three days, citing weak paper orders.

“As a result, union members were only allowed 2-3 days work, which left them deep into debt,” Ayroso said.

Ayroso recounted that on September 13, Plant Manager Jaime Abrenica verbally abused and threatened him. Instead of taking action against Abrenica, the management accused Ayroso of threatening his fellow workers. The management also stepped up its harassmenet and threatened to fire Ayroso.

The union is currently gathering signatures for a petition to oust Abrenica. It has also filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Commission.