MEPZ firm suspends more than 300 workers

CEBU, Philippines – More than 300 workers of Paul Yu were suspended for 30 days starting yesterday for participating in the work stoppage last week in support of their seven leaders who were earlier suspended by the management.

“The suspension of hundreds of workers is grave harassment by management. Management is willing to risk disruption of production just to teach the workers a lesson that they must pay for standing up for their rights,” said Willy Dondoyano, head of Paul Yu Workers Association.

Based at the Mactan Export Processing Zone II in Lapu-Lapu City, Paul Yu produces lamp shades for local and international markets.

In a statement sent to The Freeman, Dondoyano appealed to his fellow workers to refuse the management’s plan for them to work six days instead of three in order to make up for the loss in manpower.

Meanwhile, the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) wrote to the management of Paul Yu to express its concern over the alleged “serious violations of workers’ rights” at the factory.

“We ask for a prompt and effective solution to this problem. Our organization and others around the world will be monitoring this situation. We await your quick and timely intervention in this urgent and pressing matter,” ILRF deputy director Trina Tocco said in her letter.

A copy of ILRF’s letter was also furnished to the Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Export Zone Authority.

Based in Washington DC, ILRF is an advocacy organization dedicated to achieving just and human treatment for workers worldwide. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN)