Kawasaki Motors Phils. Corporation (KMPC) workers, led by the Kawasaki United Labor Union (KULU), went on strike on May 21 after negotiations for their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations deadlocked. One hundred twenty workers participated in the strike. The union’s picket line stands in front of the company headquarters in Muntinlupa City.

According to KULU, CBA negotiations have been ongoing for nearly a year, but the company continues to shortchange them. They are calling for a living wage, just benefits, and other rights that workers deserve. The negotiations first stalled in August 2024.

KULU’s survey among its members found that the average necessary expenses of each worker and their family amount to ₱81,769.62. KULU presented this in a letter on April 28 to KMPC president Isao Sudo, along with their stand and call for progress in the CBA.

“We stand before you not just as a voice for our union, but as a representative of every hard-working employee whose daily effort fuels the success of this company. We take pride in what we do. We show up early, stay late when needed, adapt to change, and go above and beyond to deliver the excellence that defines this organization,” KULU said. However, they maintained that “pride and dedication alone do not pay the bills.”

They challenged the KMPC president, saying that he has the power to correct this and give what the workers justly deserve. “Approve the wage increase that acknowledges our worth, supports our families, and shows us–your employees–that we matter,” said the union.

The president mockingly responded by acknowledging the workers’ contributions but said that KMPC’s priority is “sustaining and prolonging its operations.” He even boasted that KMPC alone has a reputation for providing the best benefits to its workers in the industry. This was a veiled rejection of KULU’s CBA demands.

He added that he hopes the union understands that the company can only provide its workers limited support because of its “financial situation.” Sudo left the CBA negotiations to their Management Panel and lawyers.

KULU does not believe KMPC’s excuse. According to KULU, up until the last moment, the company did not even reciprocate the union’s offer of a 7% increase and other benefits at the plant level. “This is just a continuation of their bad faith in negotiations,” they said.

KULU explained this is as strong reason for their strike. The union said their strike demonstrates their importance to the capitalists. “After the toiling and sacrifice in producing products that earn capitalists billions, they cannot give the working class proper benefits and living wage,” they said.

KULU added that they are not asking for unreasonable wages and benefits that would bankrupt the company. “Our demands have basis and we know that the company can afford to grant them,” they said. The workers are only asking for an amount equivalent to 0.86% of Kawasaki’s revenues, or almost ₱37 million over three years.

Since the strike started, progressive groups and labor leaders have expressed support for KULU from various directions.

KMPC produces motorcycles and motorcycle parts. In addition, the company manufactures and exports components and power products, and provides service for parts and repairs.