Statement issued by the Partido ng Manggagawa (Labor Party-Philippines)

On July 10 the protesting Paul Yu workers in the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in the Philippines accepted management's offer of separation but managed to increase the amount of termination pay. It was a partial victory but a victory nonetheless. Due to the protests, the rest of the Paul Yu employees are now working five days a week instead of three, which was the main grievance of the workers. This is the definitive end of the era of the MEPZ as a haven for docile labor where capitalists can ride roughshod over workers rights and labor standards without provoking a militant response from the workers. The struggle and sacrifice of the Paul Yu workers will ultimately benefit all the export zone workers. The support and solidarity of fellow workers inside and outside the MEPZ, groups in the Philippines and abroad were a crucial factor in sustaining the fight. The Paul Yu Workers Association and the Partido ng Manggagawa (Labor Party-Philippines) thanks all who signed the online appeal through Labourstart.

Last updated 228 days ago by Eric Lee