Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Councilor intercedes in Clark labor dispute
ANGELES CITY -- About 400 workers in at least three garment factories inside the Clark Freeport have expressed gratitude to Councilor Jesus Sangil for assisting in the resolution of their six-month-old labor dispute with their foreign employer.
Both Ramil Magno and Bryan Pantig, representatives of the workers, said their employer had compensated them because of Sangil's assistance.
"Because of the intervention and help of Councilor Sangil, we received our compensations and perks due to us," they said.
The workers were previously employed at Global Sewing Corporation, Crismina Garments and Angeles Garments Corporation, all owned by one Mike Oue.
"We need people in the council like Sangil to help us lowly workers. His dedication and deep concern for us have allowed us to get the compensations we deserve. We can now enjoy a belated Yuletide season," they added.
Sangil, however, said a public official like him is mandated to work for the interest of the people.
"There is nothing spectacular with my work. I just do my job," he said.
Sangil, chairman of the City Council committee on labor, disclosed that Councilor Maricel Morales was also instrumental in "amicably solving the mess."
Sangil also lauded Rodem Perez, assistant head of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) customer relations department, who also helped in convincing the management of the garment firms to properly compensate the workers.
Last August, the workers said their employer had told them that the three firms were temporarily shutting down due to lack of job orders. They were alarmed when their employer had stopped communicating with them.
The workers have sought the assistance of Sangil when they were allegedly given "runaround" at the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).
"I don't know what public service is to Dole workers and officials. I hope they treat us like taxpayers or at least human beings," one of the workers said.
Sandra Buena, head of the human relations office of Que's firms, told Sangil that they had given the compensations and perks of their regular workers. She added that the 13th month incentives of casual workers would be granted "in a few days."
According to Sangil, Buena also made an assurance that the workers will be prioritized if ever the company opens its garment factories again.
In 2005, Sangil was instrumental in the solution of the labor dispute of 702 workers of the Golbon Corporation at the Epza industrial park and a restaurant in Balibago district involving more than 30 employees.
He was also responsible for the protection of the rights of workers at the Clark-based Philippine Shin-EI and several other firms. (RGN)
