Food company denies involvement in killing of labor leaders

LAPANDAY Foods Corporation (LFC) denied the statements made by Romelito Pablo, president of the box and plastic plant union, linking the company to the alleged killing of labor leaders in the 1980s.

LFC said it will file appropriate legal action against Pablo to protect the company's business reputation.

LFC said Pablo’s statements are “totally false, malicious and libelous and show he is turning the collective bargaining negotiation into a political exercise placing the livelihood of the union members and other box plant employees in danger.

LFC said the union members and other employees are aware that the banana industry is suffering from problems due to infestations, diseases, climate-related conditions, market volatility, foreign exchange losses, and increasing costs, aggravated by China limiting entry of Philippine bananas early this year.

The company also denied that proposals were submitted by the union over a year ago. The negotiations have been going on for five months, as Pablo himself acknowledged and were proceeding based on the agreed schedules until if decided to declare a deadlock last October 10.

LFC welcomed the intervention of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) that is expected to call for a series of conciliation talks.

LFC said they assure the NCMB of its cooperation and commits to continue the negotiation with an open mind.