The United Workers of the Freeport Area of Bataan (NMFAB) announced on April 19 that workers compelled the management of FCF Manufacturing Corporation to reinstate employees subjected to “forced leave” status. The company announced the gradual return to work of employees on April 21, May 2, and May 12. “This resulted from the workers’ and union’s fight,” according to the NMFAB.

Following this initial victory, workers are pushing for the payment of their backwages or monthly salary during “forced leave.” This amounts to ₱550 per day or ₱42,900 for three months. They are also demanding separation pay for those who will not be reinstated by the company.

The NMFAB asserts that regardless of the company’s excuses, forced leave should not have been implemented, as there were materials for production and workers had to work three hours of overtime. “In the company’s desire to save on wages, it failed to consider the hundreds of families facing hunger,” the NMFAB stated.

The group also called on FCF Manufacturing Corp to halt the so-called “production surge” and other schemes of stockpiling finished products, which they claim underpins the forced leave policy. The NMFAB emphasized that workers must unite to stop these practices to secure their livelihoods.

“As long as the root of forced leave remains, management will repeat it to cut wage costs,” the group said. The NMFAB is currently conducting a petition for workers’ demands and rights.

On March 23, workers held consultations with the Labor Rights Defenders Network-Philippines, Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (Philippines), and Bataan Ecumenical Workers Desk to explain their situation and rights. Legal actions to address their employment issues were also discussed.

FCF Manufacturing Corp is a company located in the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) in Mariveles, Bataan. The company manufactures luxury goods such as leather bags and wallets under brands like Coach and Kate Spade. FCF is part of Fashion Focus Ltd, a China-based company.

Meanwhile, its sister company, FPF Corporation, has extended its “forced leave” policy until June 15.