Golden Zone Garments and Accessories Inc. workers condemned the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for refusing to recognize their union, Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Golden Zone Garments and Accessories Inc (NMGZ), as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent (SEBA) for the workers.

NMGZ’s statement reported that majority of the rank and file workers (57), voted to appoint the union as its SEBA. Despite this and the union’s submission of complete documentation, DOLE insisted that a “validation” process should be launched within the factory.

The union distrusts the “validation” process because the capitalist exerted undue influence over the workers, stifling their freedom to express their true preferences to the agency. “We suspected right; DOLE’s validation result failed to obtain the majority,” NMGZ stated.

“This (DOLE) is turning a deaf ear to the workers’ majority desire to have a union that will protect them,” the union said.

Meanwhile, the capitalist has been continuously filing charges against the union officials, including its president. The management unleashed provocateurs against the officials so the latter can be charged when they fight back.

“Proper protocol is also violated because the workers are not even given a Notice to Explain, and ordered to hastily issue statements without the the opportunity to consult with our federation or lawyer,” the union stated.

Despite these harassments, the union is determined to remain united and fighting for their rights. “Let us collectively fight the Golden Zone capitalist’s dirty schemes!” it called.

NMGZ was only registered on August 12 after nearly a year of arduous effort by the workers. Following this, the members immediately faced various forms of harassment from the management, including the company’s attempts to pressure members to withdraw from NMGZ.

The union is part of the federation Organized Labor in Line Industry and Agriculture-Kilusang Mayo Uno (OLALIA-KMU).